By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is being offered again this year in Hutchinson.
"I think a lot of people could do it themselves," said Sue Wegerle with the VITA program. "They just feel better knowing that somebody who has been certified and trained is doing their taxes for them."
All VITA preparers in Hutchinson have the same training.
"I require all of my tax preparers to be trained to the advanced levels," Wegerle said. "Almost all of them are trained for Health Savings Accounts, which is another aspect of someone's work, that they belong to a Health Savings Account at their work."
VITA income guidelines are fairly generous this year.
"Our upper limit is based on the Earned Income Credit and it did go up a little bit this year," Wegerle said. "The Child Tax Credit increased to $2000 per child. A portion of that is refundable, not all of that is refundable, but that goes directly against any taxes you would owe."
The VITA tax site is located at the Salvation Army, 700 N. Walnut.
IRS certified volunteers will prepare taxes free of charge for persons whose combined household income does not exceed $56,000. Hours are Tuesdays 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The services are provided by the Volunteer Center of Reno County.
You can also do your own taxes online any time. It's free for anyone who files a simple return at www.MyFreeTaxes.com.
In 2019, VITA volunteers helped prepare more than 1,400 tax returns in the Hutchinson area.
