Chattanooga’s VITA Program Offers Free Tax Help

News Summary

As tax season approaches, Chattanooga residents can benefit from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax preparation services for individuals and families earning under $67,000. With the IRS set to open tax returns on January 27, 2025, VITA’s availability comes at an essential time for taxpayers. Led by local professionals, the program ensures that help is accessible, especially for those who may be overwhelmed by the complexities of tax filings and potential scams prevalent during this period.

Chattanooga’s VITA Program Offers Free Tax Help As IRS Season Opens

As the hustle and bustle of tax season approaches, residents in Chattanooga are getting some valuable information about a fantastic resource available to them. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is ready to lend a helping hand, especially for those who may feel overwhelmed by the tax preparation process.

VITA Provides Valuable Assistance

Chattanooga’s very own LaTricia Schobert has been tirelessly working to assist individuals in reclaiming their financial health through the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Recently, she shared the spotlight with Roland McIntyre from the Chattanooga Urban League as they discussed the important benefits offered by VITA. This program provides free tax preparation services for individuals and families with an income of less than $67,000, which can make a significant difference in the financial well-being of many community members.

For anyone interested in accessing these free services, detailed information can be found at ulchatt.net/vita. It’s a user-friendly resource that guides taxpayers on how to benefit from VITA’s offerings.

Important Tax Season Dates

As the IRS gears up for another busy tax season, taxpayers should take note of some important dates. The IRS will begin accepting 2024 tax returns on January 27, 2025, and the deadline for filing federal tax returns is set for April 15, 2025. With over 140 million individual tax returns expected to be filed for the upcoming tax year, many people will undoubtedly be seeking help from professionals or programs like VITA.

Interestingly, it is anticipated that more than half of these tax returns will be prepared with the support of certified tax professionals. The IRS has been vocal about encouraging individuals to seek out reputable tax preparers to avoid falling prey to potential scams and schemes, which can unfortunately proliferate during tax time.

Free Tax Filing Programs Available

The IRS is dedicated to making tax filing accessible, and offers a range of free programs for eligible taxpayers. For anyone who earned $84,000 or less, the IRS Free File services are a great option. Taxpayers in 25 participating states can also benefit from a free online Direct File service.

VITA isn’t just limited to basic services, though. It also boasts a cadre of certified volunteers who are ready to help with basic tax return preparation and electronic filing. Additionally, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax assistance mainly for those aged 60 and above, ensuring that even our seniors receive the help they may need.

Choosing a Trustworthy Tax Preparer

Navigating the world of tax reporting can be complicated, as there are myriad tax laws, deductions, and credits to consider. Therefore, working with certified tax professionals can ease the stress and confusion. When looking for a trustworthy tax preparer, it’s essential to review their credentials, understand their fee structures, and ensure that they are registered with the IRS. Tax preparers such as CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys have the expertise to effectively represent clients before the IRS.

In light of rising instances of tax-related identity theft, the IRS has emphasized the need for vigilance. Scammers may use stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns, making it critical for taxpayers to file their returns early to help mitigate this risk. Moreover, obtaining an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS can further safeguard personal information.

Stay Informed and Secure

As tax season rolls in, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed about potential tax-related scams and to exercise caution when sharing personal information. Notably, the IRS will not initiate contact via email, text, or social media channels to request sensitive information. Ignoring these important points can lead to disastrous consequences for unsuspecting taxpayers.

Finally, for those interested in learning more about identity protection, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is hosting events like Shred Day that aim to help individuals destroy sensitive documents and protect their identities.

In summary, Chattanooga is fortunate to offer residents helpful resources like VITA. With professionals ready to guide them through tax filing, taxpayers can navigate this tax season with confidence and ease.

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Additional Resources

• Chattanooga’s VITA Program
• Google Search: VITA program tax assistance
• BBB Offers Tips for Tax Preparation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Taxation
• 2025 Tax Filing Season Opens
• Google Search: IRS tax filing season
• BBB Warns About Tax ID Theft
• Wikipedia: Identity Theft
• Special Saturday Tax Help
• Google Search: tax help resources Chattanooga
• File Taxes in Chattanooga
• Google News: tax filing Chattanooga