Neighbor News
Free Tax Prep Assistance
Assemblymember Bill Dodd reminds residents that you may qualify for free tax preparation assistance.
With taxes due at midnight on April 18th, Assemblymember Bill Dodd (D-Napa) would like to reminded residents that assistance is available for those having difficulty with their tax returns.
The California Franchise Tax Board sponsors a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and a Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program to help individuals complete their income tax returns. These programs are supported by local groups, especially the United Way.
“When preparing income tax returns, people often run into problems or become lost in the maze of forms and rules, said Assemblymember Dodd. “I was proud to help create the state’s new Earned Income Tax Credit to help working families, and I want to make sure every eligible person is able to receive the benefit.”
Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There are VITA and TCE sites throughout the area and many offer special assistance, such as bilingual and/or shut-in services. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a Taxpayer Advocate Service, which provides an independent system to ensure that tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels are handled promptly and fairly. Each state and each service center has at least one taxpayer advocate who is independent of the local IRS office and reports directly to the National Taxpayer Advocate.
Additionally, millions of federal dollars go unclaimed every year by people and families that don’t apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a benefit for working people who earn low or moderate incomes. Residents who believe they may qualify are highly encouraged to contact VITA or TCE programs nearest them.
Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Below is a list of upcoming workshops in Sonoma County.
Petaluma
Petaluma People Services Center
1500 Petaluma Blvd South
Petaluma, CA 95942
Open: 2/1/2016 - 4/18/2016
Appointments: (800) 325-9604
Rohnert Park
Rohnert Senior Center
6800 Hunter Dr.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Open: 2/5/2016 - 4/15/2016
Appointments: (707) 585-6788
Sonoma
La Luz Center
17560 Gregor Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
Open: 2/8/2016 - 4/13/2016
Appointments: (707) 938-5131
Language Assistance: Spanish, English
