Volunteers can help tackle tax returns

VITA program once again offered at the Weston County Library, through April 8
By Bri Brasher 
NLJ Reporter
 
Tax season is upon us, and while the filing process may be daunting, free local assistance is available. Brenda K. Mahoney-Ayres, director of the Weston County Library System, provided information on the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offered at the library. 
“The program (VITA) utilizes IRS-certified volunteers to provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals,” Mahoney-Ayres said. 
According to Mahoney-Ayres, the VITA program has been offered in Weston County since 2011. While assistance was first provided by on-site preparers, the program has since switched to using remote access to volunteers. Consumers can visit with VITA volunteers via Skype to prepare returns, and “library staff and/or volunteers are available to help with the process,” Mahoney-Ayres said. 
“We also function as a central location for individuals to obtain tax forms and instruction booklets,” said Mahoney-Ayres. “They are also available at the Upton Branch Library.”
Mahoney-Ayres said all the general tax forms are available at the library, and access to the irs.gov website is also available to print off any other forms needed by consumers. 
Various demographics in the community use the tax preparation services provided at the library, Mahoney-Ayres said. 
“The VITA program is used by those who file a basic income tax return, and while a variety of tax filers take advantage of the service, it has been a great benefit to the elderly tax filer,” Mahoney-Ayres explained.  
The program began on Jan. 23 and will run through April 8, said Mahoney-Ayres, who added that the dates and times are listed on the Weston County Library’s Facebook page under events. Remaining dates are Feb. 11, 22; March 1, 4, 11, 22, and 29; and April 1, 8.