Self-assist computer kiosks with free tax preparation software are now available in 14 states and Washington, D.C. – including Louisville, Kentucky – thanks to a partnership between the Free File Alliance and the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
VITA is a special program that offers free tax assistance to Americans with gross adjusted income of approximately $52,000 or less. IRS-certified volunteers help taxpayers complete their tax returns and can explain tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
The Free File Alliance has offered free commercial tax preparation software for 70 percent of taxpayers since 2003, so that they can prepare and file their federal tax returns at no cost. To do so, taxpayers can go to www.irs.gov/freefile and select one of the software packages offered.
To locate nearby sites where VITA volunteers are serving the community, check this IRS site. Volunteers with the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program are also available.
The four Louisville VITA sites that have the self-service tax prep kiosks:
- LABC Tax Services, 118 W Breckenridge Street
- Portland Promise Center, 1831 Baird Street
- Louisville Urban League, 1535 West Broadway
- Louisville Asset Building Coalition, 118 W Breckenridge Street
“The Free File Alliance is committed to offering free tax software to 70 percent of American taxpayers – even those without a computer or Internet access,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “If taxpayers are caught in the digital divide or simply need extra help, they can visit a participating VITA site, where an IRS-certified volunteer will guide them through the process.”
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