HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Individuals and families have several opportunities to have their taxes completed for free.

The Financial Stability Partnership of the River Cities’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program kicked off Jan. 22.

Families with a household income below $60,000 are eligible for free tax preparation and may be eligible for an earned income tax credit of up to $6,143, even if no taxes are owed. You must bring: a photo I.D.; a social security card for you, your spouse and all dependents; all W2s, 1099 forms and any other tax information. There are no exceptions to these requirements.

VITA locations, dates and times are as follows:

 

CABELL COUNTY

• Cabell County Public Library 455 Ninth St. Plaza, Huntington — From 3-7 p.m. on Mondays and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 21 and March 21;

• Goodwill Industries 1005 Virginia Ave. W., Huntington — From 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, Feb. 14, Feb. 28, March 14, March 28 and April 11;

• Marshall University, Huntington, Corbly Hall — From 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays starting Feb. 5

• Mountwest Community and Technical College, Huntington — From 12:30-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays Starting Feb. 10 (by appointment only);

• J. W. Scott Community Center 1637 Eighth Ave., Huntington — From 5-8 p.m. on Thursdays (by appointment only). Call 304-617-7202 for appointment.

• Southwestern Community Action Council, 298 East Main St., Milton — Call 304-674-8055 for appointment.

 

LAWRENCE COUNTY

• Ironton Workforce Development Resource Center, 120 N. Third St., Ironton — From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 7, Feb. 21 and March 7;

• Ohio University Proctorville Center, 111 Private Dr. 516, Proctorville — From 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Mondays.

 

Although the Internal Revenue Service has moved the tax season start date to Jan. 31, the IRS has allowed tax preparers to prepare returns early and submit them on Jan. 31. This will help people get to the top of the tax return list. In addition to taxes, Goodwill Consumer Credit Counseling will also pull credit reports.

Those interested in doing their own taxes are encouraged to visit www.myfreetaxes.com. Individuals with an income of $60,000 or less can have free access to H&R Block’s tax-filing software for both state and federal returns, thanks to a grant from the Walmart Foundation.

“Most people may think that filing their taxes online can be intimidating,” Davis said. “MyFreeTaxes.com uses questions and other methods to help individuals file their taxes in a more conversational-type approach. So, they do not have to see the typical IRS forms until their information is entered and the return is completed. This is an easy way to file your return, and typically, you receive your federal and state returns quickly.”

For a full list of VITA site locations, dates and times, visit www.fsprivercities.org.

For more information, contact Ed Davis, Financial Stability Partnership of the River Cities director, at 304-523-8929, ext. 103 or ed.davis@unitedwayrivercities.org.

Financial Stability Partnership (FSP) of the River Cities is a United Way of the River Cities initiative that helps the community budget and save money. FSP provides families access to investing and budgeting tools and strategies that save money, reduce debt and help build wealth.

For more information, contact FSP Director Ed Davis at 304-523-8929, ext. 103 or ed.davis@unitedwayrivercities.org. Learn more at www.fsprivercities.org.