NEW ORLEANS – The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the University of Holy Cross (UHC) College Tax Accounting Student Intern Program are offering free tax help for taxpayers who qualify every Friday, from Friday, Feb. 3, through Friday, April 7, at University of Holy Cross Campus, 4123 Woodland Dr., Room 1034, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Trained student volunteers may help with special credits, such as Education Credits, Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the elderly or the disabled.
In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, free electronic filing (e-filing) is available. Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper – even faster when tax refunds are deposited directly into one's bank account.
No appointments are needed as taxpayers are taken in the order they sign in.
In order to complete your tax return, event organizers ask participants to arrive no later than 4:00 p.m.
The program will be closed on March 3 and April 14.
Items to bring to have your tax returns prepared:
• Proof of identification (photo ID)
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• All Forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements
• Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
• Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
• Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements
• Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
A fully accredited Catholic university on the West Bank of New Orleans, the University of Holy Cross (formerly Our Lady of Holy Cross College) offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs to some 1,200 students. With 154 faculty members and a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, students enjoy a personalized academic experience on an active campus where they are encouraged to explore spiritual values and pursue service opportunities, school reps said. Some of the university’s most distinctive programs are in Nursing, Biology, Counseling, Education and Theology. The university was founded in 1916 as a mission of the Marianites of Holy Cross, whose distinguished history of educating minds and hearts dates to 1848.
