Those looking for free assistance in preparing taxes this season have plenty of options in the Historic Triangle to turn to for help.
Volunteer Tax Services at Five Locations
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has been providing free tax preparation services for more than 30 years, and operates under the IRS. It is co-sponsored by Colonial Williamsburg, James City County, Williamsburg-James City County Schools and the City of Williamsburg.
The one-stop filing for state and federal returns is managed by 39 volunteers, who are certified and have an average of 10 years of experience.
While the services are geared toward citizens who would find the cost of a paid taxes services burdensome, all greater Williamsburg taxpayers are eligible to receive help.
VITA provides computer-assisted tax preparation, electronic filing and direct deposit services.
Visitors should come with proof of identification; social security card(s), wage and earning statement(s) (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R) from all employers, interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099), copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available, bank information for direct deposit, as well daycare provider’s tax identification number and current year’s tax package if relevant. Note that for married-filing-joint tax returns, both spouses must be present to sign forms.
The process should take about an hour, depending on the individual’s information.
VITA locations and times, through April 15:
- Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Formerly James River), 8901 Pocahontas Trail: Mondays 2-6 p.m. on Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24
- Bruton Heights Education Center, 301 First Street: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2-6 p.m.
- James City/Williamsburg Community Center, 5301 Longhill Road, Room C: Wednesdays 2-6 p.m., also 2-6 p.m. on Feb. 3 and 10
- Quarterpath Recreation Center, 202 Quarterpath Road: Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Toano Middle School, 7817 Richmond Rd: Mondays 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., except Feb. 17
- For military personnel only: Fort Eustis Tax Center, 2733 Madison Ave.: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 878-2343 for more information.
For questions about VITA, call 220-7029 or email VITAwbg@cox.net.
VITA at Williamsburg-James City County Community Action Agency
The local Community Action Agency will offer free tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income workers. Those who use the VITA site could receive a refund in about seven to 10 business days with direct deposit.
Families and individuals with an income less than $50,000 may be eligible to claim the earned income tax credit, which can reduce the amount of income taxes owed.
For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, please call John Smith at 229-3316 or Yvonne Joseph at 229-9332.
AARP Tax-Aide
Tax-Aide is sponsored by the AARP Foundation, and provides help to seniors and low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages. Service is on a first come, first served basis, but those over 59 years of age are given a limited priority.
Counselors are volunteers who are certified annually after passing a comprehensive IRS test, and are prepared to complete all common forms and schedules for individual tax returns.
Tax-Aide locations and hours through April 15:
- Williamsburg Regional Library, 515 Scotland Street: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday
- James City County Library, 7770 Croaker Road: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday
Appointments may be scheduled for both library locations by calling 259-4072 beginning Feb. 17 during site hours.
Senior Citizens
The IRS/AARP Tax Foundation Tax-Aide Team will be at the York County Senior Center through April 15. Assistance for those ages 55 and up will be available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Stop by the front desk for more information, or call 870-1603 or 898-3807.
State Returns at York County
The Commissioner of the Revenue’s office offers free Virginia individual income tax return preparation to York County residents. They do not prepare federal returns.
The taxpayer must bring in a copy of their completed Federal Return as well as all W-2’s, 1099’s, and other forms as applicable.
Office hours are 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with no appointment necessary. They are also available to answer questions about Virginia tax return preparation at 890-3381.
