VITA Program Offers Free Income Tax Prep

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is offering help to Bergen County residents in low to moderate income households who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Individuals who earned less than $49,000 in 2010 are eligible for the program.

Volunteers are trained by the Bergen County Community Action Partnership (BCCAP) to assist county residents with basic tax returns. Volunteers can also electronically file the returns for those who qualify for the program.

The service is offered from now until April 14 at four locations around the county:

• Mondays from 12:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 43 Maple Ave., Hackensack
• Tuesdays from 12:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 100 Portland Ave., Bergenfield
• Wednesdays from 12:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 535 Midland Ave., Garfield  
• Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 7 East Salem, Hackensack

County residents can call 201-342-2323 to request more information on the program and to schedule an appointment.

VITA will prepare the following forms:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC or EIC)
• American Opportunity and Liftime Learning Credit (Form 1098-T)
• Scholarships and grants received
• Form 1040 (Schedules A, B, EIC & R)
• Dividend & interest income (Form 1099-DIV)
• Work study compensation (Form 1099-MISC)
• Child tax credit
• NJ Homestead Rebate Progam
• Educator Expenses