Fort Myers Florida Weekly

Free tax filing assistance available at United Way


VITA volunteer Rita T. reviewing a return. COURTESY PHOTO

VITA volunteer Rita T. reviewing a return. COURTESY PHOTO

Southwest Florida residents can keep more of their hard-earned money by using the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee’s free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance tax filing assistance program. The VITA program provides free tax filing services at 18 sites in Lee, Hendry, Okeechobee and Charlotte counties to individuals and families making less than $66,000 per year.

More than 200 IRS-certified United Way volunteers who are passionate about taxes will prepare the returns, and determine if the taxpayer is eligible for the earned income tax credit and/ or childcare credits. This United Way program helps low-to moderate-income households meet their basic needs and build financial assets.

The third annual United Way 12-Hour Taxathon will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the United Way Campus, 7273 Concourse Drive, Fort Myers.

All returns are filed electronically for speedy tax refunds. United Way VITA services begin Monday, Jan. 27, and continue through the filing deadline of April 15.

For more information: 239-433-2000 or www.UnitedWayLee.org. ¦

For more information: 239-433-2000 or www.UnitedWayLee.org. ¦

To locate the most convenient VITA site or schedule an appointment with an IRS-certified volunteer to prepare your free tax return, visit booknow. appointment-plus.com/7z18p1x6/ or call the United Way 211 Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900.

In 2019, more than 5,500 individuals and families were able to utilize the earned income tax credit and other available credits through the free VITA tax preparation program, resulting in $7.5 million coming back to our five-county region, and saving an average of $250 per family in tax preparation fees.

If the taxpayer has access to a computer and would like to file their own taxes free of charge, United Way can help with that, too. Visit www.MyFreeTaxes.com. It is simple, fast and secure while offering online assistance with the process.

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