LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Alex Meyer,

(Laredo, Texas)-For a 10th year, United ISD high school students, under the guidance of teachers who have been certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), are offering free income tax preparation services to low and moderate income families and individuals. The services will be available at all United ISD high schools beginning on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 through Monday,April 15, 2019. * (See day/hour schedules by campus below).

United ISD was one of the first school districts in the state to promote this free service at all of its high school campuses.  Students enrolled in Financial Analysis courses qualify to prepare income tax forms by receiving their IRS certification after successfully completing a series of rigorous tests and passing an exam administered by the IRS.

“With this training and certification, 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 available at each site. 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,” said UISD’s Curriculum and Instruction Business and Community Partnership Coordinator Diana Ortiz.

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

The IRS certified students, under the supervision of their teachers, the VITA Program Coordinator and the IRS Senior Tax Consultants, are prepared to work on tax returns that require any of the forms listed below.

Form 1040

• • With Schedule 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and EIC
  • With Schedule A, B,C,D, EIC,and R
  • Form 1040-V
  • Form 2441 (child and dependent care credit)
  • Form 8863 (education credits)
  • Credit for Other Dependents
  • 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 return

• All W-2 forms; 1099 forms, and other tax forms where 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.