Free tax preparation available from Goodwill Manasota partnership

Goodwill Manasota has partnered with United Way Suncoast in Sarasota County and Step Up Suncoast in Manatee County to provide free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income households.

Through April 14, volunteers are assisting with free tax preparation at Goodwill’s north Sarasota (5150 N. Tamiami Trail) and Ranch Lake (8750 E. State Road 70, Bradenton) locations.

The service is made possible through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax help to those with annual earnings below $74,000, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own returns.

VITA has been instrumental in helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households receive thousands of dollars in additional refunds.

Areas of focus for this year’s VITA program will be the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for the 2021 tax year. The maximum credit amount has increased to $3,000 per qualifying child between the ages of 6-17 and $3,600 per qualifying child under age 6.

VITA tax preparers cannot complete forms containing Schedule C with losses, Complicated & Advanced Schedule D (capital gains and losses), Form SS-5 (request for Social Security Number), Form 8606 (non-deductible IRA), Form 8615 (minor’s investment income), or Form SS-8 (determination of worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding).

“The IRS VITA program is a wonderful service; we’re happy to partner with United Way Suncoast to provide information, resources and expert assistance to help residents file their taxes while ensuring they receive every deduction to which they’re entitled,” said Donn Githens, president of Goodwill Manasota.