Tax season, sigh, it's here.  Time to dig through my files wondering yet again why I didn't take the time to organize it while I was filing it.  It's a guessing game as to what information they want and can I find it!  If you live in Wisconsin and are feeling lost with the tax process there are people available to help.  They are from the  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites across Wisconsin.

If you've already got your information together and are ready to roll, (lucky)!  This service is available to people who have low to moderate income, any military members and seniors.  The locations have volunteers who have been trained in filing tax returns and are ready to help you, however, according to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue you need to bring specific information in to get the job done.

  • Your Photo ID.  If your married and filing jointly, they need to come with you and they will need their photo ID too.
  • Legal names and social security cards for everyone you'll include on your return, that means your dependents too.
  • All documents about the income you received during the 2015 year:

Wage statements (W-2s)
Any Social Security Income statements
1099s
Interest and dividend statements
Mortgage interest statement
Charitable donations
Your federal income tax return if you are filing using Form 1 or Form 1NPR
Signed rent certificate or property tax bill if you will file for Homestead Credit
Your bank account numbers if you want your refund deposited directly into your account (these numbers can be found on a deposit slip)
Any tax documents you got in the mail, such as property tax receipts for any property taxes paid in 2015, tuition statement, closing agreement for home purchased or sold this past year.

It's a lot, I know, but if you're looking for the free tax assistance service, it's totally worth it and of course you want to get a return and not pay in.  In our area, call 2-1-1 to find a location near you offering the free service to see if you qualify.  *Note that there are a select few locations that may require that you make an appointment.

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