Free Tax Return Preparation for You by Volunteers |

United Way of the Midlands announces the kickoff of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA offers free tax help to families with a household income of less than $50,000.  IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities.

In partnership with The Cooperative Ministry, United Way of the Midlands offers tax assistance sites every year in Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Newberry counties.

This year’s VITA kick off will take place February 2nd from 10am-2pm at The Cecil Tillis Center located at 2111 Simpkins Lane in Columbia.

The free income tax preparation is available to ensure hardworking families take advantage of all Earned Income and Child Tax Credits, leading to larger refunds and nearly immediate extra cash. VITA Director Ron King has been heading the program since it started 5 years ago. “Over that time thanks to the help of some wonderful volunteers, we’ve processed more than 8-thousand tax returns totaling more than 10 Million Dollars in refunds and tax credits in the Midlands.”

VITA Volunteers promote Financial Stability. “The goal of this program is to help people maximize their income and plan for the future,” said Mac Bennett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands. “We are grateful to all of the partners and volunteers who make VITA successful year after year and have a tremendous impact where it’s needed most.”

When coming in for an appointment to have 2012 taxes done, participants should bring in a photo ID, Social Security card for all household members and W2s received from an employer.

For more information on this year’ Tax Prep Sites visit www.uway.org.