Although VITA sites are not able to offer in-person tax assistance this 2019 tax season, VITA is pleased to offer the following information to those they serve, those who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Both the IRS and the State of CT have extended the tax filing deadline till July 15, 2020.
Virtual VITA is user friendly but requires use of a smartphone or computer. Virtual VITA websites: New Haven County – Virtual VITA: https://form.jotform.com/200715549679062 and Lower Fairfield County – Virtual VITA: https://form.jotform.com/200751255209146
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed and with the anticipation of the stimulus checks being distributed, for those of you who are participating in Virtual VITA, it is important to remember that you will receive the payments faster if you elect to have your refund via direct deposit. VITA is reminding filers: Stimulus checks will go to the postal address or direct deposit location listed on a taxpayer’s most recent tax return or social security check.
Social Security recipients who do not file taxes do not need to do anything; checks will automatically be sent to you however that check will only be $1200 per person. If a non-filing Social Security recipient has a dependent under 17, he or she must register using the Non-Filer tool. Otherwise, the additional $500 for such dependents can only be claimed through filing a 2020 tax return, for a refund to be issued next year.
*** NEW: Turbo Tax has launched a free portal to assist low-income Americans who do not typically file income tax with registering for the stimulus check. Workers who earn less than $12,200 are not required to file, because you do not have taxes withheld. If you do not work, work under the table, or work for employers who do not withhold federal income tax, you will need to register with the IRS to receive your stimulus check. It will be recommended to include banking information to receive the stimulus payment as a direct deposit. Please use this easy and free way to register for the stimulus. The url is: https://turbotax.intuit.com/stimulus-check/
Additional resources: If you would like to file on-line directly, the IRS offers MyFreeTaxes.com at https://www.myfreetaxes.com/ for those with simple returns and Free File through the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
If you have questions, call The Woodbridge Center 203-389-3430 or Human Services 203-389-3429 and leave a detailed message.