Tax season is here, and free income tax preparation and filing is available for qualifying adults.
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offered in Northwest Indiana through CoAction. Financial Services Manager Yvette Johnson explains that VITA tax services are provided by a team of IRS-certified 57 volunteers. “Last year, we served about 3,000 people in the community,” she said.
Who is eligible for free tax preparation?
The program is open to anyone who has an income of $67,000 or less. The VITA service through CoAction serves residents of Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, and Starke counties. If you live outside of Northwest Indiana, you can find your nearest VITA site online.
How to get free tax preparation
The VITA service through CoAction operates by appointment. You can schedule an appointment through the Coaction website; click “Free Tax Preparation Appointments – Schedule now” on the home page. The service runs Feb. 1 through April 15. Once completed and signed, your tax forms are filed electronically.
Many of the CoAction clients who take advantage of free tax preparation are older adults, explained Johnson. Often, clients qualify for tax refunds, she said. Refunds are available as direct deposit into your bank account. “Clients love that the service is free, and some of our seniors truly depend on that refund. It’s a blessing,” she said.
The in-person service operates through seven locations in Northwest Indiana. There are also six drop-off locations, where you can drop off your documents for tax preparation.
What to bring to an appointment
CoAction asks for the following information:
- A valid driver’s license or State ID for each tax filer.
- Birth dates for you, your spouse, and any dependents on the tax return.
- Documentation of Social Security or Individual Taxpayer ID Numbers for you, your spouse, and any dependents.
- If you are a Marketplace Health Insurance participant, bring your 1095-A.
- Please bring a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.
- Please bring a blank voided check to set up Direct Deposit
- If you pay for childcare, please bring the total paid for childcare and the childcare provider’s tax ID number.
- If you wish to claim a homebuyer’s credit, please bring a copy of your settlement statement.
- If you are a renter, please bring a record of your rent payments, your landlord’s name, and your landlord’s address.
- Proof of any real estate tax paid in the previous year
- If you are a student who is eligible for the educational tax credit, please bring your form 1098T and your student account statement from your school.
Financial security
“According to Census data, more than 17 million Americans age 65+ are economically insecure,” says CoAction. Financial security is one aspect of aging well, and it is challenging for many adults. It has an impact on physical and mental health, too.
If you find yourself worrying about money, you are not alone. The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that more than half of older adults feel stress related to their finances. Reduced income, being a caregiver, health issues, and many other factors can increase the strain. “Even with careful planning, many people age 50 and older experience financial strain,” the poll explains.
As an older adult, taking any possible steps to understand and strengthen your financial well-being can support your ability to age well. Experts on aging emphasize that many of us rely on community supports and programs. Help with paying for essentials like food and medicine can make a difference.
To get a better understanding of your financial well-being, you can try the checkup from Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Your personalized results will include steps you can take to strengthen your finances.
Financial supports for older adults
CoAction serves people from infancy to old age who are experiencing financial hardship. “We envision the people of Northwest Indiana flourishing regardless of income, ability, or age,” they state.
Services offered by CoAction include assistance in paying utility bills (the Energy Assistance Program), a matched savings program, and support for affordable housing—one of the biggest expenses many adults face. You can explore resources on the CoAction Financial Stability web page. Also, be sure to attend the Financial Fair at the Hammond Development Center on Feb. 22. You can chat with local experts about local financial support services for older adults.
For more ideas on assistance that may be available to you, visit the Benefits Checkup website from the National Council on Aging. The site helps you find programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more.
While finances can cause stress for older adults, community supports are available to help you flourish as you seek to age well. If you qualify, feel free to start with VITA free tax preparation. Know that supports are available in your community to help you build financial security.