Many people file their taxes online, but some of those services have fees or can miss opportunities for tax savings. Five days before taxes are due, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz reminded people Thursday that free tax assistance services are available for some residents.
The program, called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), is a partnership between the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, and the Village for Families and Children. Bysiewicz said low-to-moderate-income residents can use the services.
“Seniors can get help. People with disabilities can get help. And people who do not speak English can get assistance as well,” Bysiewicz said.
The free tax assistance services are also available to those with household earnings up to $60,000.
Officials said close to 11,000 households have already used VITA and the program has generated close to $24 million in refunds and credits for residents.
Galo Rodriguez, president of the Village for Families and Children, said residents can trust the trained IRS-certified tax preparers.
“It helps people not to get in the hands of predators who will file the taxes with a high interest,” he said.
Sarah Thompson, who also works at the Village for Families and Children, said undocumented immigrants could file at any VITA site with their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The Village for Families and Children said they can also help people who are undocumented without ITINs obtain one.
Taxes are due on Tuesday, Apr. 18.
