Does the tax law, credits, and deductions puzzle you? Free help is available through VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, sponsored by Mountain Empire Community College and Mountain Empire Older Citizens.

February 3 through April 14, help with basic income tax returns will be offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 to 10:50 am, by volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service. The service will be offered in room 126 of Phillips-Taylor Hall at Mountain Empire Community College.

VITA offers free assistance to people with special needs, including those with disabilities, non-English speaking and older taxpayers, who file Form 1040 EZ, Form 1040A, or a basic Form 1040 Federal tax return. VITA volunteers also inform taxpayers of special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible.

Taxpayers who use this service should bring this year's tax package, wage and earnings statement (Form W-2) from all employers, interest statements from all sources (Form 1099), a copy of last year's tax return, if available, and other relevant information about income and expenses. VITA volunteers must complete an IRS training course in basic income tax return preparation before they can assist taxpayers.

On-line filing will be completed while you are present. If you have a refund and wish to have it directly deposited in your checking account, information from one of your checks will be needed (bank routing number and checking account number).

This service is being offered to those taxpayers who reside in the MECC service area, which includes Lee, Scott, Wise, and Dickenson Counties and the City of Norton.

Beginning January 28, call Professor Jim Bates at MECC at 523-2400, ext. 241 to set up an appointment.

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