Free Tax Preparation

FROM THE CITY OF GAITHERSBURG PRESS RELEASE: "For the second year, a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will operate in the City of Gaithersburg.  Conducted in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg, the Montgomery County Community Action Agency, and Family Services, Inc., the VITA program offers free tax preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals who earn less than $49,000 per year and who are filing the standard 1040 form.

Preparation is done by IRS-trained volunteers who assist taxpayers in determining if they are eligible for the earned income tax credit.  Services are offered in both English and Spanish.

The site, located at 630 East Diamond Avenue, will be open from January 31 through April 18 from 1 to 8 p.m.  Appointments are required.  Call 301-258-6395, select option 6, and leave your name and phone number on the message line.  You will be then be contacted to schedule an appointment.  Additional VITA sites are located in Rockville, Silver Spring and Takoma Park.

Last year the Gaithersburg site served 731 taxpayers, 89 percent of whom were eligible for the earned income tax credit.  Collectively, across all four VITA sites in Montgomery County, a total of just over $7 million in refunds was returned to the 1,975 individuals filing returns.

In Gaithersburg, the VITA program is marketed under Bank On Gaithersburg, an initiative to draw unbanked and underbanked individuals into the financial mainstream.  Bank On Gaithersburg helps create relationships among local governments, citizens, local banks and credit unions, and community partners to ensure that all residents have access to bank accounts, financial education and other asset-building opportunities.  During the VITA consultations, taxpayers are encouraged to open bank accounts and use direct deposit to receive their tax refunds.  For more information visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov/bankon."