TAMIU Provides Free Tax Preparation Assistance through VITA Program Jan. 15 – April 18

Tax season is here, and Texas A&M International University's (TAMIU) A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business will provide free tax preparation assistance for qualified individuals in Webb and Zapata Counties from Saturday, Jan. 15 - Tuesday, April 18 at the Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 126.

Tax preparation assistance is provided through the Voluntary Taxpayer Assistance (VITA) Program, an IRS-sponsored program that offers free tax return preparation and general tax help to families and individuals.

 IRS-certified tax preparers will be onsite to help individuals, said Jody Carlisle, lecturer, TAMIU A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business Division of International Banking and Finance Studies.

"We will be providing in-person and drop-off services for qualified clients," Carlisle explained, "Please bring all required materials for your visit so that we can process your taxes in a timely manner."

Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday - Friday; 5:30 - 8 p.m., Monday - Friday; and from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

In-person assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and there is no appointment required. Individuals must bring the required paperwork with them. Spouses filing as married jointly must both be present.

Those who opt for the drop-off option must come to the site with their tax documents and their spouse, if married filing jointly. IRS-certified volunteers will make a copy of their tax documents so that they can leave with the originals. Individuals must also arrange a time with the coordinator to return to the site, with their spouse, if married filing jointly, to review and sign for their return.

Participants must bring the following items to the VITA site: Proof of identification (photo ID); social security cards for them, their spouse and dependents; birth dates for them, their spouse and dependents on the tax return; and wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers.

Also required are 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; to file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms; 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.

For more information, please contact VITA TAMIU at vitalaredo@tamiu.edu or call (956) 326-2928.