Don’t get stressed by tax preparation, get help

Free tax prep assistance is available for seniors and people with low incomes.

April is right around the corner.

It’s the start of spring, a time of blooming and renewal and, for the employees of the Internal Revenue Service and people across New Hampshire and the country, the end of tax season.

It’s stressful, it’s annoying, it’s … easier?

You read that right. It’s easier thanks to the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides FREE tax preparation services for low-to-moderate income individuals and families.

Volunteers work with sponsoring organizations to learn to prepare tax returns and are tested and certified before working in the community. The program is generally offered to those making $55,000 or less but varies by organization and area.

In addition to VITA, Tax Counseling for the Elderly provides the same free tax preparation services to people age 60 and older.

Volunteers for both services will not only help prepare your taxes but will work to walk you step-by-step through your returns.

VITA programs are located across the state and while some sites allow walk-in appointments, many require scheduled appointments. To find a VITA center near you and schedule an appointment visit either the IRS’s Free Tax Prep page or New Hampshire Tax Help. You can also dial 2-1-1 for more information.

If you do schedule an appointment, please remember to bring the necessary documentation listed on the above sites. Most VITA programs end April 15, 2019, don’t delay!

Chris Bourcier is a ROC-NH Organizational Trainer. ROC-NH is a program of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund. This blog post was originally published here.