Free help in filing taxes is being offered to low-income and middle-income people throughout Northeast Pennsylvania.
The Luzerne/Wyoming County FreeFile Tax Coalition is taking calls for the upcoming tax season to offer free help to people who make $51,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their tax returns.
The program is being coordinated under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified people in local communities. Volunteers can inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify such as earned income tax credit, child tax credit and credit for the elderly or the disabled, according to the Commission on Economic Opportunity.
"Many CEO clients, especially seniors, need help filing their taxes," said Maura Modrovsky, volunteer coordinator. "This service aims to help them at no cost if they meet the guidelines."
The University of Scranton and a group of local human service organizations led by the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties also will offer free income tax assistance to people, families and seniors whose income for 2012 was below $49,000.
University of Scranton accounting students and a host of professional United Way volunteers will provide tax assistance at multiple locations in Lackawanna and Wayne counties in February, March and early in April.
Last year, 26 volunteers and students from the University of Scranton provided more than 2,000 hours of service and completed almost 1,600 tax returns, said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne counties.
"These dedicated volunteers return year and year and graciously give of their own time throughout the tax season to help area families and individuals become more financially stable and economically independent," Mr. Drapek said.
Over the last five years, volunteers and students from the University of Scranton have prepared more than 6,500 tax returns with more than $5.5 million being returned in refunds, said Nikki Keller, spokeswoman for the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.
Residents who use the service are asked to bring a valid photo identification, W2 forms, all 1099 forms, real estate tax receipts, Social Security numbers, last year's tax returns, information related to income and expenses and a personal banking account check if they would like direct deposit.
The AARP Foundation, along with the Marian Sutherland Kirby Library, Mountain Top, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre, also will provide tax preparation and e-filing for area residents starting Monday. The service is available to all taxpayers with low or middle incomes with special attention to those 60 years old or older.
Contact the writer: dallabaugh@citizensvoice.com