WestArk RSVP to help with tax preparation

The WestArk RSVP, a local organization of active adult volunteers 55 years of age or older, has partnered with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) to help prepare tax returns.

VITA/TCE volunteers will offer free tax return preparation for those over age 60, families with incomes under $49,000, no income limits on families with a member who were unemployed during the last year or are receiving unemployment compensation.

Certified VITA/TCE volunteers receive training to help prepare free basic federal and state (Arkansas and Oklahoma) income tax returns and also offer free electronic filing.  Last year local VITA/TCE volunteers prepared tax returns for over 2,000 families.

Tax assistance is available at the RSVP Center, 401 N. 13th St., in Fort Smith (Corner of Grand Avenue and 13th Street, red rock building). The hours are: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and, Saturday, 9 a.m. to Noon.

Those seeking assistance should bring the following items.
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and any dependents OR an I-TIN letter.
• Proof of identification for yourself  (driver’s license or military ID).
• W-2 and/or 1099’s. from each employer.
• A copy of last year’s tax return (if available).
• Proof of account for direct deposit of refund (bring a check or account # and routing #).
• All 1099 forms and SSA-1099 form if received Social Security benefits.
• Unemployment compensation W-2G form (if any).
• Information for other income (if any).
• If itemizing—information (receipts, cancelled checks) for all deductions/credits (if any).
• Dependent care (day care) provider information (if any).
• Closing papers for purchase of new home (if any)

Call 782-2525 for additional information or for assistance for homebound.

WestArk RSVP is a program of the Western Arkansas Counseling & Guidance Center, Inc.