MADISON — Just over three weeks remain in the individual income tax filing season, and many residents have yet to file their tax returns. The Department of Revenue (DOR) encourages those who need help preparing their returns and Homestead Credit claims to visit a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site.
VITA is a cooperative effort among the DOR, Internal Revenue Service and other community partners to provide free income tax assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals. Free tax assistance is also provided through AARP-sponsored Taxpayer Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites. Many sites offer electronic filing, which provides faster refunds – in as few as five business days with direct deposit.
These sites can also help the many retirees, disabled veterans and low-wage workers who usually are exempt from filing a tax return but who must do so this year in order to receive a federal economic stimulus payment. The payments, scheduled to be distributed starting in May, will be determined using 2007 federal tax returns.
Taxpayers seeking assistance at a VITA or TCE site should bring the following documents. Both spouses must be present to file a joint return.
- W-2 wage and tax statement
- information on other sources of income and any deductions
- Social Security cards for the taxpayer(s) and dependents
- a rent certificate and/or a copy of 2007 property tax bill, and a record of any Wisconsin Works (W2) payments received in 2007, if claiming the Homestead Credit
Taxpayer assistance is also available by calling (608) 266-2772 and at www.revenue.wi.gov.
