Multiple local organizations want to help ease the stress that comes with filing taxes.
Front Range Community College’s Westminster campus is offering in-person help, Mile High United Way is offering online help and AARP is offering free assistance at the Broomfield Community Center to low- to moderate-income seniors.
Front Range Community College
Beginning Feb. 5, Front Range’s Westminster Campus, 645 112th Ave., will be open 9 am-1:30 p.m. every Saturday through April 12 excluding March 19 and 26. Internal Revenue Service-certified students, alumni and volunteers will help prepare and file tax returns for those with household incomes less than about $57,000 a year.
The goal of the service is to help families become more financially secure. The program last year helped families save about $6,700 on taxes, a news release from the college states.
Participants will need to bring security cards/Individual Taxpayer Identification Number letters for every family member on their tax return, a photo ID, W-2 forms, 1099s and other tax-related documents for 2021 and a copy of their 2020 tax return if available.
Additional forms may be necessary, including 1099-Misc and 1099-K for self-employed or contracted individuals or a 1098-T for those with education expenses. For childcare expenses participants should have the total amount paid to a childcare provider, the name, address, phone number and Tax ID Number for the provider. Those who made charitable donations should bring related documents and those who purchased insurance through the healthcare marketplace should bring the 1095-A form. For those filing jointly both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
To receive the tax refund via direct deposit individuals should have their checking and savings account numbers and bank routing number, the release adds.
“We’re proud to be saving people money on tax preparation services, and helping them get the best refund possible so they can make ends meet,” Front Range Accounting Faculty Member Kevin McFarlane said in a statement. “The program also helps students develop customer service skills, achieve practical, hands-on experience, serve their community and earn college credits.
Participants should use entrance 8 on the north side of the 112th Avenue building and drive around the back of the building to park and enter. Appointments can be made online in 30-minute increments. Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a negative test result within 72 hours of the appointment, the scheduling portal states, and masks must be worn on campus.
For questions, email [email protected]
The Front Range tax service is part of the Tax Help Colorado Program and is offered through a partnership between Front Range and Mile High United Way.
Mile High United Way
For those who prefer a remote option, Mile High United Way is offering virtual tax help for those who qualify. Certified tax specialists can help file and collect all tax credits owed or there are online options that let participants file and collect tax credits on their own or collect federal stimulus payments and the Child Tax Credit on their own, the release states.
For more information visit getyourrefund.org.
For additional free tax preparation resources visit 211colorado.org/tax-assistance or call 211.
