United Way of Williamson County expands free tax preparation to rural communities
[Franklin, TN – January 14, 2019] – United Way of Williamson County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has expanded to additional sites to provide free tax preparation and electronic filing services to Maury and Hickman County residents. Seven free tax preparation sites will open in Williamson, Maury, and Hickman Counties starting on January 26, 2019.
Residents with a combined household income of $66,000 or less in 2018 are eligible for the service. Last year, VITA volunteers helped 1,472 individuals and families file their taxes and receive $1,163,370 in refunds, including $406,601 in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
United Way of Williamson County (UWWC) recruits and trains community volunteers to receive IRS tax certification. These volunteers staff VITA sites to assist residents with program eligibility and determine if filers qualify for tax credits such as the EITC and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
UWWC expanded the VITA program to help more individuals and families on the path to financial stability. VITA operates in local community centers, agencies, and libraries to make free tax prep services accessible to individuals and families. On average, American taxpayers spend $176 or more on tax preparation fees. VITA is crucial to individuals with fixed incomes, people with disabilities, and those who are struggling to make ends meet. VITA allows filers to maximize their refunds through tax credits and avoid preparation and filing fees.
VITA volunteers will operate from four locations in Williamson County, two locations in Maury County, and one location in Hickman County. Residents can visit domytaxes.org or call (615) 830-7940 to schedule an appointment at the following VITA sites:
1. Williamson County Public Library
1314 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, TN 37064
Open Monday and Wednesday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
(Exceptions: Free tax prep will be held at the Williamson County Enrichment Center on February 16 and February 23).
2. GraceWorks Ministries
104 Southeast Parkway
Franklin, TN 37064
Open Tuesday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
3. Historic Triangle School (Fairview)
7120 Westview Drive
Fairview, TN 37062
Open Tuesday 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
4. FiftyForward – College Grove
8607 Horton Highway
College Grove, TN 37046
Open Thursday 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (by appointment only)
5. Spring Hill Public Library
144 Kedron Parkway
Spring Hill, TN 37174
Open Tuesday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (by appointment only)
6. Maury County Senior Center
1020 Maury County Park Drive
Columbia, TN 38401
Open Wednesday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm (by appointment only)
7. Hickman County Public Library
120 West Swan Street
Centerville, TN 37033
Open February 9, February 23, March 9, March 23, April 13
Hours 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (by appointment only)
Residents should bring the following items to the VITA site:
- Government-issued photo identification (spouse must bring ID and be present if filing jointly)
- Original Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each family member on the return
- W-2, 1099, and other income statements
- Expense documents such as childcare receipts, education expenses (1098-T), and property taxes
- If self-employed, all receipts (totaled), including commuting and business mileage
- 1095-A, -B or -C health care statement (only 1095-A is required)
- Direct deposit information
- Last year’s tax return
2-1-1 is a 24-hour hotline providing community information and referral services. Residents outside of Williamson, Maury, and Hickman Counties can dial 2-1-1 to determine their eligibility and locate nearby free tax preparation services. Qualified individuals and families also have the option of filing income taxes themselves online at DoMyTaxes.org. Free tax filing software is provided in collaboration with H&R Block.
For more information about VITA, contact Im Cashen at icashen@uwwc.org or 615-771-2312, or visit uwwc.org/vita.
About United Way of Williamson County
United Way of Williamson County is committed to creating real change and measurable improvements in the day-to-day lives of thousands of people. We bring together people, companies, and organizations from across our local community to identify and support solutions to our most critical issues. Serving Williamson County for 58 years, United Way of Williamson County fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. Change doesn’t happen alone. To live better, we must Live United. To find out more, visit uwwc.org or call 615-771-2312.
###
