You can file both your federal and state returns free. For the first time starting in 2020 tax year, there is no income limit. Taxpayers of all income levels can easily and accurately file their simple taxes for free at: https://www.myfreetaxes.com/
The following is summarized from the websites of the American Association of Retired Persons: www.aarp.org/ , the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS): www.ct.gov/drs/cwp/view.asp?a=1462&q=289046 and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc101.html
Tax Time is Right Around the Corner and 2-1-1 Can Help
Free tax preparation is available to households through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. VITA sites offer free tax services from mid-January through mid-April to individuals who qualify. Some initial information regarding this VITA season is below, but please visit this page again (211ct.org/taxhelp) or dial 2-1-1 (option 3, then 6) for more information on how to connect with a VITA site in your area, and to get information about other tax services and credits.
Free Tax Preparation through the VITA Program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
BASIC ELIGIBILITY FOR VITA: The VITA program is for individuals who generally make $57,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Also, individuals who are self-employed should have business expenses less than $25,000, and individuals should not have income from a rental property.
ONLINE VITA PORTALS: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many physical VITA locations will not be open this year. But the Connecticut VITA coalitions are still offering clients an opportunity to have their taxes completed for free by an IRS-certified volunteer via a combination of an online form and the telephone. Individuals who qualify for VITA and have access to a smartphone or computer, internet/WiFi , and a valid phone number may take advantage of the online VITA options. See below for information about how to get started with VITA online in various regions of the state:
TAX ASSISTANCE BY TELEPHONE AND ONLINE
Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s), can be found at: https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions
TAX ASSISTANCE AT
Please call or e-mail DRS for assistance.
myconneCT is now live. What can you do if you need help?
For more information about myconneCT, click here!
You can also visit myconneCT FAQs page!
Or watch myconneCT Tutorials!
DRS has a dedicated hotline for providing myconneCT assistance. Call 877-729-6691 to speak directly to a representative.
AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM
MYFREETAXES (UNITED WAY)
You can file both your federal and state returns free. For the first time starting in 2020 tax year, there is no income limit. Taxpayers of all income levels can easily and accurately file their simple taxes for free at: https://www.myfreetaxes.com/
FORMS TO BRING TO A TAX ASSISTANCE SITE
When visiting an IRS, DRS, Tax-Aide or VITA site, bring the following:
* Photo ID for Caller (and/or spouse, if filing jointly)
* If married filing jointly, both spouses must attend appointment
* Social security cards for every member of the family (if a card is lost, the taxpayer must contact the social security administration to replace card prior to having taxes prepared)
* W-2s and/or 1099’s from ALL jobs worked in 2020
* A check from the taxpayer’s checking account or a savings account number for direct deposit (NOTE: The taxpayer can open a bank account or cash card at the tax site for direct deposit if they do not have an existing account.)
* Interest statements from financial institutions (if applicable)
* Tuition and student loan information (if applicable)
* Documentation from daycare provider, if taxpayer paid for child care in 2020
* Any other income information or IRS notices received
* All 1095 forms – only if you received insurance through a federal or state marketplace or you received a 1095-A
* Health Insurance Statements
* Copy of last years tax return
SOURCES: AARP website; Connecticut Department of Revenue Services website; Internal Revenue Service website
INTERNET PAGE PREPARED BY: 211/nl
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: December2022