Thanks to United Way Worldwide and HR Block, tax filers who earned less than $64,000 in 2016 may be eligible to self-prepare their taxes online using MyFreeTaxes. By taking advantage of this service, you may be able to not only save money, but get more money back by doing your own taxes through the self-guided system.
What You Need to File Your Taxes for Free Through MyFreeTaxes:
- W-2s for each job held in 2016 for each person in the household, this form reports your name, wages, and other tax information to the IRS.
- 1099s showing other income (unemployment, social security, school loans, health care reimbursement, state tax refund, gambling winnings, contract work) that is reported to the IRS.
- 1098s showing payments you’ve made (school loans,property tax).
- 1095-A if you received credit from the healthcare.gov marketplace.
- Income/interest statements received for any savings account/investments.
- Bank account numbers: a voided check or your bank or credit union’s routing number and savings or checking account number for your refund to be deposited automatically into your account through direct deposit.
- Last year’s tax return (if you have it).'
- SSN/TIN numbers for everyone in your household
- A valid email address.
Additional Information That May Help You Get a Larger Refund:
- Childcare expenses: name, address, Tax ID or Social Security Number of the child care provider.
- Business expenses and assets: if you’re self-employed or have a small business
- College: loans and/or scholarships received, and bills for technical/community college or university (Forms 1098-T/1098-E).
- Educator expenses for teaching grades K-12 (school supplies and materials used in the classroom).
- Charitable donations: list of contributions and amounts, receipts for contributions over $250.
- Vehicles: vehicle sales tax, personal property tax statement for each car you own, total miles driven for the year and/or total miles driven for business.
- Renters: amount of rent paid (in some states).
- Homeowners: mortgage interest statement (Form 1098), real estate taxes paid, Statement of Property Tax Payable in 2016.
- Retirement/IRA: amount contributed to an IRA and total value as of December 2016.
- ITIN: if you need to apply for an ITIN for yourself or a family member, find out what other documents you need to take with you when you get help filing your taxes for free.
Visit MyFreeTaxes.com
Making sure everyone has the ability to keep more of their hard-earned income is a key priority of the Columbus Area United Way. If you have any questions about using My Free Taxes, please contact our office at 564-5661.
P.S. Remember, April 18th is the last day to file!