Tax Filing Season Overview

***ALL SITES HAVE BEEN FILLED FOR THIS ERIE FREE TAXES SEASON!!!***

In addition to face-to-face tax filing sessions with qualified volunteer tax preparers, Erie FREE Taxes offers 3 additional filing options: Drop Off service, free online self-preparation tax filing, and remote tax filing service. 

Drop Off Service: The Drop Off process allows tax filers to drop off their tax documents at a designated VITA site location and return later to review and sign their completed tax returns.

Benefits of Drop Off Service: 

• No appointment needed 
• No waiting for tax returns to be completed 
• Convenient for tax filers with busy schedules 
• Estimated length of time for completion of tax returns: 5-7 business days 

To schedule a Drop Off appointment call: 1-888-829-5680

MyFreeTaxes (MFT): a free, easy-to-use, interview-based online tax prep software program that allows tax filers to prepare and transmit their own federal and state tax returns.  

Benefits of MyFreeTaxes: 

• No income limit 
• Free, easy to use 
• Convenient-prepare tax returns at home, office, or wherever a secure internet connection and computer are available 
• Saves cost of purchasing commercial tax prep software programs 
• Great for filers with simple returns, college students, single filers, part-time workers, individuals with disabilities, regardless of age 

Click here to get started.

Virtual VITA: Virtual VITA is an alternate method of filing taxes that does not require any face-to-face contact between filer and preparer. All interaction is conducted through a secure IRS designed client portal.

Benefits of Virtual VITA: 

• Provides another alternative to filers who have a computer or smartphone, and an email address
• Digital equipment that enables filers to take pictures of, or scan and save, tax documents 
• Skills needed to send or upload digital documents and forms, or pictures of the documents and forms over the internet to a secure document  
• Convenient 

To schedule a Virtual VITA appointment call: 1-888-829-5680 

Tax Site Safety Precautions: steps will be taken at every tax site location to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. They include:

• Drop off process will be used to limit the amount of in-person contact during tax preparation.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at tax site entrances, exits, and tax preparation workstations.
• Volunteers and tax filers will be pre-screened for COVID symptoms before entering the site.
• Table-top face shields will be used to protect tax filers and VITA volunteers as needed.
• Tax filers and VITA volunteers must wear masks while on-site. Erie FREE Taxes will make masks available for any volunteer or tax filer who comes to the site without a mask.
• Any VITA volunteer or tax filer who refuses to wear a mask, comply with social distancing, or other CDC guidelines, will not be permitted to remain on-site.
• Any VITA volunteer or tax filer who displays COVID-19 symptoms will not be permitted to remain on-site.
• VITA workstations will be a minimum of 6’ apart.
• VITA workstations and waiting areas will be sanitized in between each tax filer appointment.
• Building access by VITA volunteers and tax filers will be limited.
• Erie FREE Taxes will keep appointment and volunteer schedules for contact tracing needs.

Depending on the amount of wages you earned, or combined income with social security, you may be required to file federal, state and local wage returns.

IF YOU RECEIVED HEALTHCARE FROM THE MARKETPLACE – you are required to file.  

Not filing a tax return that is required can have serious consequences on your financial future.

You may be eligible for a tax refund!

If you made wages at a part time or full time job, some taxes may have been withheld.  You may be able to get part, or all, of that money back by filing a federal income tax return. 

You may be eligible for extra money from tax credits!

There are tax breaks if you have children, have worked even a part time job during the tax year, if you have college students living at home, or if you are a college student yourself.

• Photo ID (for each tax filer)
• Social Security Card (for everyone listed on the tax return), or ITIN (if you are foreign born and not eligible for a Social Security Number)
• Birth Dates (for everyone listed on the tax return)
• All wages and earnings statements from Forms W-2, 1099-R, 1099 Misc, Social Security, unemployment, or other sources of income
• Interest and dividend statements: Form 1099
• Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
• Affordable Health Care Statements: Forms 1095-A, B, or C
• A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns
• Records of expenses such as mortgage interest, tuition, real estate taxes
• For Day Care Expenses: total amount paid to day care provider, day care provider’s name, address, and business EIN or Social Security Number
• A voided check or bank account numbers for direct deposit