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Courtesy Yvette Treviño,

(Laredo, Texas)-United ISD will be providing free income tax preparation services for low to moderate income families who earn under $66,000. These free services will be offered at all United Independent School District high schools. The services are part of United ISD VITA Program which the district has been hosting for the past nine years now.

“This program allows our students to get the hands on experience they need while providing a tremendous service to the community,” said United ISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos.  “They will have an opportunity to interact with people and work with others which will give them a real insight into the business world.” 

United ISD was one of the first school districts in the State to implement an IRS Certification Program at all of its high schools.  It was coordinated with students enrolled in the Financial Analysis course offered through the District’s Career and Technical Education program.  The students were able to earn their certification by completing a series of IRS lessons and passing the exam required by the agency.  Students have been trained to gather information they need from clients, input the data into the computer, and run a report to make sure that all forms are complete.  The taxpayer is then given a hard copy for their records and original paperwork is sent via the IRS e-file system.  Additionally, a taxpayer who may have a refund 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 to the client their options for payment.

            IRS certified students, under the supervision of their teacher, will be able to 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)

To take advantage of the free tax assistance program, the tax payers will need all W-2 and 1099s (and any other necessary forms); information for other income; information for all deductions/credits; a copy of last year’s tax return; 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.

Free tax income tax preparation services are currently being offered and will last through April 17th at the following UISD high schools. It is suggest that an appointment be made prior to visit a free tax preparation site location (all high school income tax sites will be closed during Spring Break, March 12-16, 2018).

               John B. Alexander High School
Address:  3600 E. Del Mar Blvd 

Sponsor contact: Adrianna Bautista

               Phone:  (956) 473-5800

Schedule: 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., every Tuesday and Thursday

Lyndon B. Johnson High School
Address:  5626 Cielito Lindo Blvd.

Sponsor contact: Jessica Garza/ Lillian Gonzalez /Nancy Newsome

Phone: (956) 473-5100 or 473-5184

Schedule: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

               United South High School
Address: 4001 Los Presidentes Ave.

Sponsor contact: Jesus Berlanga

Phone:  (956) 473-5501

Schedule: 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., every Tuesday and Thursday

United High School (main campus)

               Address: 2811 United Ave.

               Sponsor contact: Elizabeth Rodriguez

               Phone: (956) 473-5600

Schedule: 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday

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

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

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

·      Social Security cards or individual taxpayer identification numbers for all family members; those who are filing jointly must bring their spouse.

·      Checking and/or savings account numbers (up to three accounts) for deposit of their refund directly to their account.

All income tax returns are filed electronically.  Please note that free income tax preparation services will not be offered during Spring Break from March 12-16, 2018.  For more information, contact the high school that offers free income tax preparation nearest you.