It’s Tax Time!
The SNHS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program successfully launched January 24, 2022 bringing individuals and families with household incomes up to $58,000 annually free tax preparation services. Taxes are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers who assist low-to-moderate income residents of the state to access the greatest amount of refunds.
It’s easy to schedule an appointment by visiting NHTaxHelp.org to see the full list of free tax sites in the state and to make their appointment. Those without internet access can call 211.
Some important changes individuals will see this year include:
- An expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for those without a child to claim; the expansion increases the age range to allow workers age 65+ and those as young as age 19 to claim this support for low-income working people.
- The Child Tax Credit was increased, and many people raising children received advance payments totaling up to half of the full credit. Those who got the advance payments or who missed out on them can file a tax return to claim the full amount for which they are eligible.
- A change to the Dependent Care Tax Credit can mean as much as $8,000 for those who paid for childcare or home care that allowed them to work or look for work.
The EITC is a support for working people who don’t make a lot of money. According to the IRS, about 1-in-4 eligible New Hampshire residents fail to file for the EITC, leaving an estimated $49 million unclaimed.
The IRS also encourages self-filers with internet access and a household income up to $73,000 to take advantage of www.MyFreeTaxes.com.
For more information email Patte Ardizzoni at pardizzoni@snhs.org or visit www.NHTaxhelp.org.