With tax season now in full swing, there are plenty of places opening up to guide people through their filings. El Dorado Connections and the Central Arkansas Development Council are offering free tax assistance for low income residents.
El Dorado Connections Director Julia Amis said they’ve been offering this service annually for the last 20 to 25 years with different partners.
“We have volunteers that are filling out income tax forms and submitting them electronically through an IRS approved software,” Amis said.
Amis said the program is funded through a Retired Senior Volunteer Program grant and that the organization had to provide a work plan for utilization of the funds. One of those plans was providing tax assistance to low income workers.
RSVP is a federal organization that is part of senior corps and is focused on finding people 55 and over who will volunteer in their respected areas of expertise within the community.
El Dorado Connections is one of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance locations throughout central Arkansas.
Those interested can schedule an appointment at 870-639-3782. During the appointment, visitors meet with a volunteer who is a certified expert to go through their tax forms with them.
To file their taxes, somebody will need their photo ID, Social Security card, W2 or other pertinent forms and banking information. Amis said those who wish to itemize their taxes will need to bring that information as well. People are also encouraged to bring their past tax return if they have it.
“They have to fill out some paperwork for the IRS and for CADC and then they sit down with the volunteer who goes over the information with them and submits it,” Amis said.
Amis said the program is already scheduled for the next two weeks with services offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The service will go until April 11 with taxes due to the IRS by April 17.
Michael Shine may be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook @MichaelAZShine for updates on Union County school news.