Workers living in the West Valley who have fallen on hard economic times may be eligible to receive free income tax assistance at one of Valley of the Sun United Way’s three new West Valley Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in their area. Available only during tax season and staffed by trained volunteers, VITA sites offer free tax preparation services to individuals and families with low or limited income, individuals with disabilities, senior citizens and military personnel and their families.

There are more than 60 VITA sites located throughout Arizona, but prior to this tax season, there were very few VITA sites in the West Valley. “United Way quickly worked with the IRS and nonprofit partners to reduce this gap in service and is proud to bring three new VITA sites to the West Valley this year,” said Valley of the Sun United Way Senior Vice President of Community Impact, Brian Spicker.

VITA sites not only offer free tax preparation, they also help families or individuals apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, which can put up to $5,666 into their pockets. EITC is available to workers who earned $48,362 or less in 2010, but they can only get it if they file federal income tax returns and specifically claim the credit.

Last year, 520,722 Arizonans received nearly $1.2 billion in EITC refunds and, nationwide, $58 billion was claimed. With economic misfortunes affecting so many Arizonans, it is likely that even more would be eligible for EITC this year, but they may be unaware of the resource.

“Nationwide, approximately 20 percent of eligible individuals do not claim their EITC,” noted Spicker. “Connecting low-income workers to underutilized resources like the EITC through VITA sites will increase the financial stability of many individuals and families in our community,” he added

To help accurately determine their EITC eligibility and prepare their returns, VITA site visitors should bring the following items with them:
• Social Security cards or IRS ITIN card or ITIN letter for all household members
• Picture ID for taxpayer (and spouse)
• Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return
• Proof of all income, including W-2 and 1099 forms
• Name, address, and tax ID# of childcare provider
• Amount of money paid to childcare provider last year
• Account and routing numbers for direct deposit
• Copy of last year’s tax return, if available
To electronically file their returns and get the fastest refunds, both spouses must be present to sign joint returns.

Below is a list of Valley of the Sun United Way-sponsored West Valley VITA sites:

Estrella Mountain Community College
3000 N. Dysart Rd.
Avondale, AZ 85392
(602) 434-9952
• Services available Jan. 29 – April 16
• Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. by walk-in

Care 1st Avondale Resource and Housing
328 W. Western Avenue
Avondale, AZ 85323
(623) 333-2703
• Services available Feb. 1 – April 12
• Tuesdays 3 – 6 p.m. by appointment only

Fresh Start Community Services
7206 N. 55th Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85301
(623) 931-2801
• Services available Feb. 5 – Feb. 26
• Saturdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. by walk in

To check Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility, go to www.irs.gov or visit a VITA site. For a full list of local VITA sites, contact Community Information and Referral at (602) 263-8856 or visit www.cir.org/tax.

About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. Our goal is to create long-lasting and measurable changes that improve the quality of life for struggling individuals, families and children throughout Maricopa County. For more information visit, www.vsuw.org