Free Tax Preparation Clinic Kicks Off in Fremont for Tri-Cities Residents

Starting  Feb. 7, Tri-Cities residents who earned $49,000 or less during the 2010 tax season can drop by Fremont Family Resource Center (39155 Liberty St.) for free tax preparation services.

Each tax season, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteers can be found helping out at libraries, senior centers and other facilities across the country, lending a helping brain wherever the number crunching gets too confusing. 

And taxpayers seem to really appreciate the free service.

Over the weekend, VITA set up shop at the Milpitas Library where nearly 100 Santa Clara County residents showed up to receive free services thanks to a sponsorship by United Way Silicon Valley. 

“Everything’s done for you and it’s free,” said Milpitas resident Dee Payne, a college student who plans to save whatever she gets back on her tax return.

During the VITA sessions, participants at most locations have the option to electronically file their taxes. Those that choose to take advantage of the complimentary e-file program will receive their refunds in less time of those that file via the paper method.

By earning less than $49,000 a year, taxpayers qualify to have their basic federal and state returns prepared by the IRS-certified volunteers. Spanish translation is available.

Volunteers will not prepare separate returns for married couples.

They will, however, check to see if the taxpayer qualifies for an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 

The EITC is a federal tax benefit for working families with low-to-moderate incomes. 

This year the maximum credit is $5,666 for a family with three or more children, $5,036 for a family with two children, $3,050 for a family with one child, and $457 if there are no children.

“Taxes are complicated," said Binh Ly, a San Jose resident who attended the Milipitas session. "I heard about this [clinic] and came to ask questions,” 

Taxpayers can drop in at the Fremont Family Resource Center, now through April 18, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Caribbean Room.

A checklist of items to bring:

• your tax booklet for 2010
• photo ID
• Social Security cards or ITIN letters for all persons on the return
• copies of your tax return from last year
• W-2 forms from your employer
• or 1099-G forms for unemployment
• or SSA-1099 forms for Social Security
• any 1099 Forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, 1099-B) 

For more information about income tax preparation assistance clinics in the Tri-Cities area, call (510) 574-2274.