Free income tax preparation offered at area VITA sites

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is offering free tax preparation for individuals and families whose incomes are $54,000 or less.

United Way of Wapello County has VITA sites in Fairfield and Ottumwa. Call 641-672-1169 for information.

IRS-certified volunteers can complete both federal and state forms and can file the returns electronically.

IRS rules place limitations on the types of returns that can be completed by the volunteers. If a person?s return will include farm income, rental income, contract sale of property, business operating expenses exceeding $25,000, depreciation schedules, moving expenses, debt cancellation due to bankruptcy or loss from a business, they should use a professional service.

Refunds can be deposited directly into checking or savings accounts and are usually received within 21 days. The PATH Act of 2015 requires additional screening of returns that include Earned Income Credits and Advanced Child Tax Credits, so those refunds will be delayed.

The average consumer pays $114 to have their return completed. Using the volunteer services eliminates the cost and ensures the taxpayer has submitted the forms required to receive tax credits.

Funding for the site operations is provided by the Iowa Center for Economic Success.