I am a person with a disability and while I don't have a regular-paying job, I sell some jewelry that I make. I've never filed taxes because I don't make that much. I think I may qualify for this Earned Income Tax Credit, but I would like some help filing my taxes so I don't effect my SSI payments. Where can I go for help?

You may want to visit a volunteer site. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offer free tax help if you qualify.

Trained community volunteers can help you with special credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly for which you may qualify. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, many sites also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper - even faster if you have your refund deposited directly into your bank account.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low-income ($35,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-829-1040.

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

• Must bring photo identification

• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents

• Birth Dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return

• Current year's tax package if you received one

• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers

• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

• A copy of last year's Federal and State returns if available

• Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit

• Other relevant information about income and expenses

• Total Paid for Day Care

• Day Care providers Identifying number

• To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

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 do not have a Social Security Number for you or a dependent you should complete Form SS-5, Social Security Number Application. This form should be submitted to the nearest Social Security Administration Office.

If you or your dependent is not eligible to get a Social Security Number you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If you have not received your Forms W-2 from your employer and want to know what to do, you may obtain information here.

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(made out to the United States Treasury) using Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher.

*If you happen to encounter any accessibility problems regarding VITA sites, please contact Megan O'Neil at megan@wid.org or 1-866-723-1201
Information provided by IRS.gov