Free Tax Aid For Eligible Taxpayers Offered By Montgomery County

BETHESDA, MD — Montgomery County residents earning $55,000 or less a year can receive free tax preparation and filing services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, according to government officials.

The IRS-sponsored program is designed to help low and moderate income taxpayers, those with disabilities, seniors, and people with limited English proficiency file taxes and receive refunds.

"Last year, the VITA program served 1,936 individuals and families, helping these households receive almost $5 million in tax refunds, including $1.3 million in (Earned-Income Tax Credit). Seventy-seven volunteers provided more than 2,100 hours assisting taxpayers in preparing returns, providing interpretation, or serving in other roles, officials said in a Tuesday press release.

Qualified taxpayers can receive free tax assistance from Jan. 22 to April 15 at the following times and locations:

• Gaithersburg: Mondays, 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Silver Spring: Tuesdays, 3 - 8 p.m.
• Rockville: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
• East County: Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Wheaton: Fridays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Additional Locations:

• WorkSource Montgomery in Germantown on Jan. 28 and March 21, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • UpCounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Rd.
• MCPS Head Start/Pre-K VITA Day in Rockville on Feb. 7, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • School Health Services Immunization Center at the SCRIA office, 4910 Macon Rd.
• Super VITA Day in Gaithersburg on March 2, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Ave.

To make an appointment, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cashback or call 240-777-1123. Those who require special accommodations should call 240-777-1123 at least three business days in advance.

What To Bring To Your Appointment
Make sure to bring the following:

• A valid government issued photo ID (no copies)
• Original Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Notice (ITIN) for all family members
• Last year's tax return, if available
• All W2 forms, forms 1098-T, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, and other documents regarding income
• Spouse must be present if filing jointly; if filing separately, bring your spouse's Social Security Number and name as it appears on Social Security card
• Statement of annual child care expenses prepared by the provider, who their tax ID (Social Security Number or EIN number)
• Health insurance information from your employer, the marketplace (ACA) Medicaid or Medicare, and form 1095-A, or B, or C
• For direct deposit: must have proof of a bank account, including routing numbers. Or, ask about Bank On!

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