What To Bring

Items you need to bring to the VITA/TCE Sites to have your tax returns prepared:

  • Proof of identification, picture ID, for you and your spouse if filing jointly
  • Both spouses must be present to sign required forms if filing jointly
  • Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns, if available
  • Bank Routing and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit (Voided check)

DOCUMENTATION

  • Wage and earning statement(s) from all employers (Form W-2)
  • Unemployment compensation (Form 1099G)
  • Retirement benefits (Form 1099R)
  • Interest and dividend statements (Forms 1099INT and 1099DIV)
  • Self-Employment income and expenses (Forms 1099MISC or manual records)
  • Income gain/loss from sale of stocks or bonds (Form 1099B and/or broker’s statement)
  • Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits (SSA 1099 or RRB 1099)
  • Gambling and prize winnings (1099MISC or W-2G)
  • Day care expenses and day care provider's address and tax identification number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
  • Education expenses and student loan interest paid (Form 1098)
  • Home mortgage interest (Form 1098), charitable contributions, medical expenses and mileage, and real estate taxes paid
  • Qualified expenses for the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit
  • Documentation for IRA contributions
  • Documentation for medical expense paid from a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Information for alimony received or paid
  • Qualified First-Time Homebuyers Credit, settlement statement including purchase date and price

Not all VITA sites can prepare returns with all of the above income or expenses. Some of the issues are complex and require volunteers with Advanced Certification. Please verify with the 211 Operator or the Greeter at the site that your return can be prepared at the VITA site.

It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security Number (SSN). The most accurate information is usually located on your original social security card. Each year hundreds of thousands of returns are delayed in processing or credit/deductions are disallowed because names and Social Security Numbers do not match Social Security Administration records. To prevent processing delays in paper returns and rejected electronically filed returns, volunteers check the accuracy of each Social Security Number, as well as the spelling of the name associated with the number. If you need more information about Social Security Numbers go to www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html or find nearest Social Security Administration Office.

There are payment options available when using IRS e-file. If you owe, you can make a payment (by April 15) by authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit) from a checking or savings account, paying by credit (Discover Card®, American Express®, MasterCard® or VISA® Card), or by check or money order (payable to the United States Treasury) using Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher.