NWIC’s Free 2022 Tax Prep
NWIC's Cooperative Extension Financial Literacy Program offers Free Tax Preparation
Northwest Indian College is partnering with the Lummi Nation to offer free tax help to people with low-to-moderate income. Participants can choose one-on-one assistance or assistance nearby to complete on their own.
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $58,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
VITA/TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA/TCE volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.
Interested in utilizing this free service? Here’s what to expect:
Face-to-Face
Because of COVID-19, the tax preparation services will be socially distanced. Identification will be verified, paperwork can be completed in the participant’s vehicle, and completed documents will be completed and processed over the phone or on site Mondays and Wednesdays.
DIY-Tax Prep
Participants can bring in documentation to get started, and any questions regarding tax preparation and filing can be answered. Participants will have access to a free tax software to ensure confidence in preparing a return. Free tax software: www.myfreetaxes.com
For more information, please contact:
