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Courtesy Alex Meyer,

(Laredo, Tx)-United ISD high school students who have been officially certified by the IRS for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), program are preparing income tax returns (under the guidance of their teachers), at no cost for low to moderate income families and individuals. The service will continue to be offered at all United ISD high schools through April 14, 2015. (See revised day/hour schedules by campus below)

“This is a great program because it gives students an insight into the business world,” said United ISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. “It allows our students to get the hands on experience they need while helping others at the same time.”

United ISD was one of the first school districts in the State to implement such a program at all of its high school campuses. It was done with students enrolled in the Financial Analysis courses offered through the District’s Career and Technical Education program. The students worked to earn their IRS certification by completing a series of lessons and passing an exam required by the agency. With this training, students have the knowledge to prepare income tax forms. At the end of each tax preparation session, the taxpayer is given a hard copy for their records and original paperwork is sent to the IRS via the e-file system. Taxpayers who are expecting refunds will be asked for their bank’s routing number and checking account number for direct deposit. When the taxpayer owes money, the student will explain payment options to the client.

The IRS certified students, under the supervision of their teacher, can prepare the following income tax returns:

· Form 1040 EZ

· Form 1040 A

· With Schedule 1, 2, 3, and EIC

· Form 1040

· With Schedule A, B,C,EZ, EIC, and R

· Form1040-V

· Form 2441 (child and dependent care credit)

· Form 8863 (education credits)

· Form 8812 (additional child tax credit)

Checklist: The following items need to be brought to the tax preparation site:

· Valid driver’s license or photo I.D.

· Copy of last year’s tax returm

· All W-2 forms; 1099 forms, and other forms if applicable

· Checking and/or savings account numbers (up to three accounts) for direct deposit of refunds to accounts; Information for other income; information for all deductions/credits; proof of account for direct deposit of refund (e.g., voided check);

Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification cards for the client, his/her spouse, and/or dependents; and proof of identification for client and/or their spouse. Those who are filing jointly must be accompanied by their spouse

All income tax returns are filed electronically. Please note that free income tax preparation services will not be offered during Spring Break from March 9–13, 2015. For more information, contact the high school that offers free income tax preparation nearest you.

Free tax income tax preparation services are being offered at the following United ISD high school campuses listed below through April 14, 2015. It is recommended that clients call and set an appointment before going to any United ISD high school tax preparation site:

***Hours & Days Vary by Site

John B. Alexander High School

Adrianna Bautista, Teacher and IRS program sponsor
3600 E. Del Mar Blvd

Phone: (956) 473-5800

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. and by appointment

Lyndon B. Johnson High School

Nancy Gonzalez-Newsome, Teacher and IRS program sponsor
5626 Cielito Lindo Blvd.

Phone: (956) 473-5100

Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Fridays 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

United High School (main campus)

Elizabeth Rodriguez, Teacher and IRS program sponsor
2811 United Avenue

Phone: (956) 473-5600

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays by appointment

United South High School

Evelyn Avalos, Teacher and IRS program sponsor
4001 Los Presidentes Ave.

Phone: (956) 473-5400

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.