F.I.S.H. OF SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will host the United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA program, which provides free tax preparation assistance. Residents who earn a household income of $66,000 or less can have their federal tax returns prepared, e-filed and direct deposited at no cost.

Every other Friday from Feb. 2 through April 12, VITA will offer tax preparation service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sanibel Public Library, at 770 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. Appointments are required.

United Way IRS-certified volunteers will prepare the returns and determine if participants are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credits, Childcare Credits and/or Education Credits. VITA can only prepare simple returns; it cannot prepare returns that involve rental income, or self-employment income at a loss with expenses that exceed $35,000, or with employees.

Participants must bring all of the following documentation, if applicable, to their appointment:

– Picture ID for individual and spouse.

– Original Social Security/Medicare card for all persons to be listed on tax return or an ITIN card for those without Social Security card.

– Birth dates of all persons listed on tax return.

– All wage and earnings statements, such as W-2 Form, Social Security Income (SSI), pensions, annuities, unemployment compensation, et cetera, and any interest and dividend statements (any Form 1099s).

– Copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available.

– Documentation supporting a claim to a dependent exemption due to dependents receiving support from multiple taxpayers (divorced or separated parents), such as Form 8332, Form 2120 or other valid documentation.

– Child care provider’s name, Federal ID or Social Security Number, and address. Also, provide the amount paid for child care.

– Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements.

Additionally, if residents paid real estate tax on their home, bring the paid receipt. It is deductible even if taking the standard deduction. For those itemizing deductions, bring a summary listing of deductions and supporting details/receipts. For those taking college courses to further education for a job who paid tuition, bring the tuition receipt and any financial aid or student loan statements.

To have refunds deposited into a checking or savings account, bring account details (a check assigned to the specific account) to the appointment.

To schedule an appointment, visit https://www.unitedwaylee.org/freetaxprep/; interested individuals may also dial 211 or call 239-433-3900. People can also call to see if they qualify for the service.