Free tax assistance available for qualified residents
Free tax preparation assistance will again be available across the Lowcountry as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, known as VITA, begins offering services to qualified residents starting the first week of February.
The program provides no-cost, IRS-certified tax preparation designed to help eligible taxpayers file accurate returns and claim available deductions and credits. VITA is a collaborative effort involving the Internal Revenue Service, Beaufort County, the Beaufort County Library System and United Way of the Lowcountry.
VITA serves working families, college students, retirees and other eligible residents throughout Beaufort, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Jasper counties. Services are available at 14 VITA sites, and bilingual assistance is offered at all locations through over-the-phone interpreters.
“With ongoing changes to federal tax policy, it’s more important than ever for families to have access to reliable guidance,” said Dale Douthat, president and CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry. “VITA helps residents understand how current tax laws affect them and ensures they file accurately while claiming every credit they’re entitled to.”
During the previous tax season, nearly 90 IRS-certified volunteers assisted more than 2,400 Lowcountry residents through the VITA program, resulting in more than $2 million in tax refunds. Program organizers said those refunds helped families cover expenses, save money and strengthen their financial stability.
A special Tax-A-Thon event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hardeeville Recreation Center. The free event will include tax preparation services, bilingual interpreters, a community resource fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., giveaways, a food truck, children’s activities and music. Appointments are strongly encouraged, though walk-ins will be accepted. The event will be held rain or shine.
VITA services are available to individuals and families with household incomes under $75,000, non-English-speaking taxpayers, individuals with disabilities and adults age 60 and older.
Appointments can be scheduled and required document checklists downloaded at uwlowcountry.org/VITA. Additional information is available by emailing lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail.com or calling 843-321-9071.
