What is the difference between VITA and TCE? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $55,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for taxpayers who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
How do I know if I qualify for VITA or TCE? If you are 60 years of age or older or a person with a disability, TCE is a great fit for you. If, regardless of age or ability, your household income is for 2020 was $58,000 or less, and/or you are limited in speaking English, then VITA is a good fit for you.
I don't live in Greene county. Can I still get my taxes done for free? If your return is in scope for TCE or VITA then it may be possible for your to get your taxes done for free. Several of our TCE tax preparation sites are outside of Greene County, many of which are at local senior centers. All 8 VITA sites are located in Greene County, but you do not have to live in Greene County to qualify. You can also prepare your taxes yourself for free online if your return is not 'out of scope' by utilizing www.MyFreeTaxes.com which is sponsored by the United Way and H&R Block.
Should I electronically file (e-file) my taxes? Simply put, it is safer for you to e-file. If you go to a VITA/TCE tax clinic, your taxes will be e-filed. E-filing your taxes to the IRS is faster, more convenient, and more secure than paper filing. But, in order to e-file, you must have your taxes doe by a tax preparer (like us), prepare them yourself using tax software or file them yourself using free tax software like MyFreeTaxes.com
What does "Scope of Service", "In Scope" or "Out of Scope" mean? Volunteers are trained to assist in the filing of Form 1040 and certain schedules and forms. To be covered under the Volunteer Protection Act, volunteers must stay within the scope of the VITA/TCE programs and prepare returns for which they achieved certification. This chart covers limitations of scope of service for each certification level. This list is a guide, and is not all-inclusive. The un-shaded boxes are within the certification level for the tax topic shown. Within each line item, there may be specific elements that are Out of Scope for the VITA/TCE programs as indicated in the training material. If you are unsure if your return is considered in scope it might be easier to simply call one of our agency partners to find out.
What do I need to bring to my tax appointment? We've provided a great list of documents you must bring to your appointment here. Please note: It is VITAL that you bring your actual Social Security Cards for each person listed on your tax return. Simply bringing just the SS number(s) is not always beneficial and may delay your appointment or require you to schedule another appointment.
Do I really need to bring my social security card(s)? The simple answer is YES! We've provided a great list of documents you must bring to your appointment here. Simply bringing just the SS number(s) is not always beneficial and may delay your appointment or require you to schedule another appointment.
Why do I need to provide a banking routing number and account number for direct deposit? The best and fastest way to get your tax refund is to have it electronically deposited for free into your financial account. In fact, you can use it to deposit your refund into up to three accounts! But in order to do that we have to verify that it is going to the correct accounts. Providing a voided check is the easiest way for us to verify the accuracy of the accounts.
What if I don't have a voided check (or any checks at all!)? We realize many people no longer order/carry checks in this day and age. However, most credible financial institutions like banks or credit unions can provide you with a letter or document with both the routing number and banking account number. Please note: This is NOT the same as your debit card number.
When is the tax filing deadline? Typically, you must file your state and federal tax returns no later than 11:59 pm on April 15th. If April 15th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next Monday. Your return is considered filed 'on time' if the envelope is properly addressed, postmarked, and deposited in the mail by the due date. However, even though the filing deadline is still the same, we always recommend filing your returns electronically (e-filing) if at all possible.
What if I can't file by the tax filing deadline? If you can’t file by the due date of your return, you should request an extension of time to file. To receive an automatic 6-month extension of time to file your return, you must file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF) by the due date of your return. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You may be subject to a late payment penalty on any tax not paid by the original due date of your return.
What if I missed the tax filing deadline? Many of our VITA and TCE sites offer free tax preparation in the summer and can assist you in filing your taxes. Keep checking back after June 1st for a list of locations offering summer tax clinics.
What is Tax-A-Palooza? Tax-a-Palooza is a one-day free tax-filing event in Springfield MO and is proudly sponsored by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Drury University, Missouri State University, Senior Age, Springfield Dream Center, and ATLS Coalition. For more information, visit the Tax-A-Palooza event page here.
How do I know if I qualify for VITA or TCE? If you are 60 years of age or older or a person with a disability, TCE is a great fit for you. If, regardless of age or ability, your household income is for 2020 was $58,000 or less, and/or you are limited in speaking English, then VITA is a good fit for you.
I don't live in Greene county. Can I still get my taxes done for free? If your return is in scope for TCE or VITA then it may be possible for your to get your taxes done for free. Several of our TCE tax preparation sites are outside of Greene County, many of which are at local senior centers. All 8 VITA sites are located in Greene County, but you do not have to live in Greene County to qualify. You can also prepare your taxes yourself for free online if your return is not 'out of scope' by utilizing www.MyFreeTaxes.com which is sponsored by the United Way and H&R Block.
Should I electronically file (e-file) my taxes? Simply put, it is safer for you to e-file. If you go to a VITA/TCE tax clinic, your taxes will be e-filed. E-filing your taxes to the IRS is faster, more convenient, and more secure than paper filing. But, in order to e-file, you must have your taxes doe by a tax preparer (like us), prepare them yourself using tax software or file them yourself using free tax software like MyFreeTaxes.com
What does "Scope of Service", "In Scope" or "Out of Scope" mean? Volunteers are trained to assist in the filing of Form 1040 and certain schedules and forms. To be covered under the Volunteer Protection Act, volunteers must stay within the scope of the VITA/TCE programs and prepare returns for which they achieved certification. This chart covers limitations of scope of service for each certification level. This list is a guide, and is not all-inclusive. The un-shaded boxes are within the certification level for the tax topic shown. Within each line item, there may be specific elements that are Out of Scope for the VITA/TCE programs as indicated in the training material. If you are unsure if your return is considered in scope it might be easier to simply call one of our agency partners to find out.
What do I need to bring to my tax appointment? We've provided a great list of documents you must bring to your appointment here. Please note: It is VITAL that you bring your actual Social Security Cards for each person listed on your tax return. Simply bringing just the SS number(s) is not always beneficial and may delay your appointment or require you to schedule another appointment.
Do I really need to bring my social security card(s)? The simple answer is YES! We've provided a great list of documents you must bring to your appointment here. Simply bringing just the SS number(s) is not always beneficial and may delay your appointment or require you to schedule another appointment.
Why do I need to provide a banking routing number and account number for direct deposit? The best and fastest way to get your tax refund is to have it electronically deposited for free into your financial account. In fact, you can use it to deposit your refund into up to three accounts! But in order to do that we have to verify that it is going to the correct accounts. Providing a voided check is the easiest way for us to verify the accuracy of the accounts.
What if I don't have a voided check (or any checks at all!)? We realize many people no longer order/carry checks in this day and age. However, most credible financial institutions like banks or credit unions can provide you with a letter or document with both the routing number and banking account number. Please note: This is NOT the same as your debit card number.
When is the tax filing deadline? Typically, you must file your state and federal tax returns no later than 11:59 pm on April 15th. If April 15th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is delayed until the next Monday. Your return is considered filed 'on time' if the envelope is properly addressed, postmarked, and deposited in the mail by the due date. However, even though the filing deadline is still the same, we always recommend filing your returns electronically (e-filing) if at all possible.
What if I can't file by the tax filing deadline? If you can’t file by the due date of your return, you should request an extension of time to file. To receive an automatic 6-month extension of time to file your return, you must file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF) by the due date of your return. An extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You may be subject to a late payment penalty on any tax not paid by the original due date of your return.
What if I missed the tax filing deadline? Many of our VITA and TCE sites offer free tax preparation in the summer and can assist you in filing your taxes. Keep checking back after June 1st for a list of locations offering summer tax clinics.
What is Tax-A-Palooza? Tax-a-Palooza is a one-day free tax-filing event in Springfield MO and is proudly sponsored by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Drury University, Missouri State University, Senior Age, Springfield Dream Center, and ATLS Coalition. For more information, visit the Tax-A-Palooza event page here.
