Free tax prep service offered

Consumer Credit Counseling Service and the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades have launched free tax preparation services for hard-working people and their families. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free and confidential filing of tax returns by IRS certified volunteers starting in February 2009.

The services are targeted to families with children earning less than $42,000 and individuals with no qualifying children earning less than $16,000 during 2008. Individuals and families will be asked to provide the following to the tax preparers at the time of service:

• Valid Social Security numbers for taxpayer, spouse and qualifying children

• Correct birth dates for all family members

• All W-2 was and tax statements for 2008

• Form 1098-mortgage interest, property taxes, Form 1099-DIV,G, INT, MISC, Q , R, RRB, SSA for 2008 if appropriate

• Photo ID for signers (if filing jointly, both filers must be present to sign the return)

• 2007 tax return if available

• Child care EIN number

• Void check and/or savings account number for direct deposit (optional)

The Free Tax Preparation VITA sites open in February and will continue through April 15. The locations for VITA tax assistance are:

Cape Coral United Way House Dunbar United Way House Harlem Heights United Way House Estero-San Carlos United Way House Lehigh Acres United Way House

LaBelle United Way House

Appointments are required. Dial United Way 2-1-1 or 433-3900 to make an appointment.