When people are financially stable, they can make financial decisions that benefit themselves and their families, which, in turn, benefits the community. Being financially stable also puts families in a better position to handle crisis – job loss, illness or other unforeseen expenses. The VITA program is just one way United Way of Acadiana is creating financial stability. In the last two years, this program put approximately $8 million back in the hands of hardworking families through free tax preparation assistance. During that period, volunteers assisted more than 5,800 Acadiana residents in filing their taxes, helping them claim nearly $2 million each year of the nearly $30 million in Earned Income Tax Credit that goes unclaimed annually. IRS-Certified Tax Preparers are ready to help you at the following locations –some sites open as early as Jan. 22:
WHO:
If you work and have household income below $54,000 in 2018, you may be eligible for free tax preparation services and a quick refund.
You may also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which could mean thousands for your family. To qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit, your Tax Year Earned Income and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must each be less than:
- $49,194:With 3 or more qualifying children
- $54,884:If married, filing jointly
- $45,802:With 2 qualifying children
- $51,492:If married, filing jointly
- $40,320:With 1 qualifying child
- $46,010:If married, filing jointly
- $15,270:With no qualifying children
- $20,950:If married, filing jointly
Additionally, if you make less than $66,000, you can file for free at MyFreeTaxes.com. It’s easy, safe, secure and free.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Photo ID and original Social Security Card or ITIN
- All W2s
- Any other tax-related documents
WHERE/WHEN: VITA SITES
IRS-Certified Tax Preparers are ready to help you at the following locations:
Acadia Parish
ASSIST Agency
11 North Parkerson Avenue, Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 788-7550
Opening Day: January 22
Monday & Wednesday: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (appointment only)
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (walk-ups welcome)
Lafayette Parish
Northside High School
301 Dunand Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
Walk-ups welcome
February 2: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (Super Tax Day)
February 23: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (Tax Prep)
March 9: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (Tax Prep)
March 30: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (Tax Prep)
Lafayette Library’s Main Branch
301 Congress Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
Walk-ups welcome
February 5: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (8-10 slots)
February 12: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (8-10 slots)
February 16: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Super Tax Day)
March 12: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
March 16: Time TBA
March 26: Time TBA
April 6: Time TBA
SMILE Community Action Agency
501 St. John Street, Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 234-3272
Appointment only
Opening Day: February 4
Monday – Thursday: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Iberia Parish
SMILE Community Action Agency
722 Walton Street, New Iberia, LA 70560
(337) 365-8151
Appointment only
Opening Day: February 4
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
St. Landry Parish
Sustainable Agriculture & Development Institute
1209 Diesi Street, Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 943-2410
Opening Day: February 6
Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Saturday: appointment only
St. Mary Parish
St. Mary Community Action Agency
1407 Barrow Street, Franklin, LA 70538
(337) 828-5703
Appointment only
Opening Day: January 22
St. Martin Parish
SMILE Community Action Agency
2097 Terrace Road, St. Martinville, LA 70582
(337) 394-6013
Appointment only
Opening Day: February 5
Tuesday – Friday: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Vermillion Parish
ASSIST Agency
407 Charity Street, Abbeville, LA 70510
(337) 898-9554
Opening Day: January 22
Monday & Wednesday: appointment only
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm (walk-ups welcome)
Vermillion Parish Library
405 East St. Victor Street, Abbeville, LA 70510
(33) 385-8502 – Coordinator: Ms. Williams
Appointment only
Opening Day: February 6
- SUPER TAX DAYS (no appointment necessary)
- February 2: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Northside High School
- February 16: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at Lafayette Public Library’s Main Branch
For more information, contact Joelle Polisky at (615) 516-0358 or visit: http://www.unitedwayofacadiana.org/vita.