Should I file my taxes?
Follow the IRS recommendations below:
- Most U.S. citizens – and permanent residents who work in the United States – need to file a tax return if they make more than a certain amount for the year.
- You may want to file even if you make less than the specified amount, because you may get money back if you file. This could apply to you if you:
- Have had federal income tax withheld from your pay
- Made estimated tax payments
- Qualify to claim tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
What is the income limit to qualify for Tax Time’s VITA services?
If your household income is below $67,000.
What services do your VITA Sites offer?
This document has extensive information regarding what VITA sites do and do not prepare, in addition to the list of what to bring with you: IRS Publication
What should I bring for my tax appointment?
For an IRS checklist, click here, or refer to the list below.
- Proof of identification (photo ID)
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
- Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
- Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
- Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
What if I start filing with Tax Time volunteers and decide not to file my return throughout the process?
We understand that a client may work with us and decide to pursue another route or not file their taxes. While this is not common, we will make sure to shred any physical documents we have, delete any files related to your case, and if it’s virtual we will mark your case as closed and your return will not be filed by our team.
Your site filed my return. When will I get my return?
Once our team files your return with the IRS, we unfortunately do not have control of when and how much you receive. You will have to contact the IRS directly for any questions regarding your return once it’s been filed and accepted by the IRS. Returns filed by mail can take longer to process than returns e-filed. Additionally, returns with direct deposit often process much quicker than returns that require mailed checks.
Why is my refund amount not the amount your team showed me at my appointment?
While this is rare, there are occasions where you may receive a refund amount different from what we discussed. Our preparers are diligent in ensuring that correct information is entered on returns, but if a client incorrectly reports information, then that can impact your return when the IRS processes your responses. Please call our team if this happens and we can investigate with you what happened and if a change needs to be made.
What if I get a letter from the IRS and don’t know how to resolve it?
Depending on your circumstances, you can reach out to our team, and we will refer you to Legal Aid Society of Columbus if you qualify for free services for support resolving your issue with the IRS.
Do you file local taxes?
No, we only file federal and state taxes as a VITA program. Local taxes can now be paid online! If you need to file your local taxes or learn more about local tax requirements, please download this resource from the Columbus City Auditor on who has to file and how to do it. You can also ask our volunteer teams for guidance, though they cannot file them.
What is the best way to spend or budget my refund?
For guidance on spending or saving your refund, you may benefit from working with a financial counselor. The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center provides free, one-on-one financial counseling for all adult residents of central Ohio. A trained and certified counselor can help you determine the most beneficial route for using your refund – whether it’s saving, paying down debt or making a purchase, the FEC can help you put a plan in place. Schedule an appointment at www.columbusfec.org.
What should I do if I owe taxes?
For help determining next steps when you owe taxes, you may benefit from working with a financial counselor. The Columbus Financial Empowerment Center provides free, one-on-one financial counseling for all adult residents of Central Ohio. A trained and certified counselor can help you determine the most manageable route for paying your tax debt – whether it’s making a payment plan, working the amount into your budget or saving for next year’s taxes, the FEC can help you put a plan in place. Schedule an appointment at www.columbusfec.org.