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WASHINGTON D.C. -- With the April 15 deadline approaching, there are various services that offer free tax preparation help for qualifying taxpayers. In addition to free, in-person tax return preparation assistance, most sites also offer free electronic filing so you can get your refund faster.
Certified volunteers receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across Florida.
Who qualifies for free tax preparation help?
• If you are aged 60 and older, the IRS offers free tax assistance through a program called Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). Trained volunteers from non-profit organizations provide free tax counseling and basic income tax return preparation for senior citizens. For more information on TCE, call 1-800-829-1040 or visit the IRS website (http://email.capitolhillnewsonline.com/m/750Gdylc4TotAgQIRaAQVuEVU8QnML…).
• If you are in the military, or are part of a military family, you can receive free tax preparation assistance at offices within your installations. The Department of Defense’s Military OneSource also provides free tax preparation software and access to tax consultants by phone seven days a week from 7 am - 11 pm ET. For more information, call the Military OneSource Tax Hotline at 1-800-730-3802 or visit http://email.capitolhillnewsonline.com/m/c00Gdylc4TotAgQIRaAQVuEVU8QnkB….
• If your household made less than $49,000 last year, you may qualify for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, sponsored by the IRS. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-829-1040.
How do I file my taxes for free?
If your household made less than $57,000 last year, you may qualify for the Free File program, which provides free federal income tax preparation and electronic filing for eligible taxpayers.
With all Free File options you can:
• File your taxes any hour of the day or night.
• Know that your return is safe and secure.
• Receive a quick IRS confirmation, within 48 hours, that your return was received.
• Get your refund in as few as 10 days with Direct Deposit.
• File a free federal extension.
For information about which companies provide this service, please visit http://email.capitolhillnewsonline.com/m/436Gdylc4TotAgQIRaAQVuEVU8Qn7Q…;
Are there more tax preparation resources?
My website has more information on free tax preparation help for American citizens. To learn more, please visit www.kosmas.house.gov/taxprep.
I know that filing taxes can sometimes seem overwhelming. One of my top priorities is to provide assistance in dealing with federal agencies, and I hope that these tips will make this year's tax season easier to manage.
Suzanne Kosmas
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Offices:
* Washington Office 238 Cannon H.O.B. Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-2706
* Port Orange Office 1000 City Center Circle, 2nd Floor Port Orange, FL 32129 (386) 756-9798
* Orlando Office 12424 Research Parkway, Ste 135 Orlando, FL 32826 (407)-208-1106 Toll free number: 1-877-9-KOSMAS (1-877-956-7627)