Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Available In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is available in Westport from now to April 15 under a program sponsored by the town's Department of Human Services.

The program provides free state and federal income tax preparation, though actual e-filing with the IRS will not begin until Feb. 12. IRS Certified Volunteer Tax Preparers will assist seniors and low to moderate-income households with their income taxes either virtually or through a limited in person scanning option.

"The volunteers, led by Westporter Mark Spivack, are the same group of trusted IRS-Certified Tax Preparers that have provided these services to residents for many years," said Human Services Finance Manager, and certified volunteer tax preparer, Susan Stefenson.

This is from the program announcement:

The virtual option, proven very successful last year, provides for uploading of information via a secure encrypted site https://getyourrefund.org/westsrcr This preferred virtual option allows an intake specialist to review and follow up for additional information as needed. The second option offers limited, on-site scanning capabilities at Westport’s Center for Senior Activities on Tuesdays from 1pm - 4pm and Thursdays from 9am - 12pm. Participants must complete a phone call with the intake specialist to confirm what documentation is required to participate in the in-person scanning. To request a scanning appointment, call 203-341-1071.

Stefenson noted that this program is the nation’s largest, free volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service and is available to all individual filers regardless of income or age. Nationally over 65,000 IRS-certified volunteers provided this service at more than 9,000 sites last year alone. Locally, more than 700 returns were prepared and filed in Westport, with total refunds exceeding $350,000, 80% of which came from tax credits coming predominately from education and earned income credits.

Required documents include:

Identity Documentation:

• Government Issued Photo ID.
• Social Security or ITIN numbers for all taxpayers and dependents.
• Bank account/routing numbers (blank check preferable) if expecting a refund.

All 2020 income report forms received:

• SSA1099 (Social Security benefits)
• W-2 from each employer
• W-2G from gambling winnings.
• 1099R (Pensions, IRAs)
• 1099G from unemployment compensation payments.
• 1099INT/DIV
• 1095-A (Health Insurance)
• 1900NEC (self employment)