W-2s too taxing? VITA to the rescue

Those pesky tax forms giving you fits? Help is available. Beginning Feb. 2 through April 15, members of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will be at the Terrebonne Parish Library’s main branch in Houma Tuesdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For the fifth year, the volunteers will assist in preparing simple taxes for those with an income of $38,000 or less, said Catholic Social Services Case Worker Jennifer Gaudet. The organization oversees VITA.

Gaudet said those seeking help readying their taxes should bring the Social Security cards of everyone included on the tax form, last year’s income tax forms and all W-2 or 1099 forms. “They should also bring proof of any income received – from gambling, interest paid by the bank, unemployment compensation or any other money earned,” she said.

Parents are also directed to have the tax identification number of any day care or childcare facilities used last year.

“And if you want your return to go to direct deposit, we’ll need a voided check showing your routing number and bank or savings account information,” Gaudet said.

Taxes are prepared in private in the library’s upstairs study rooms. People looking to utilize the service do not need to book a time in advance.

Gaudet said the tax preparers are all trained and have passed an Internal Revenue Service certification test. “Some of them are accountants, but because we are doing only basic tax returns they don’t have to be,” she explained.

This year, the hours free tax services are available have been reduced because of a shortage of volunteers, Gaudet said.

Anyone who like to volunteer time or needs more information about the service can contact Catholic Social Services at (985) 876-0490.