Income Tax Filing Deadline is Tuesday
Photo by Shelley Hanson
Trending
WHEELING - For those who haven't filed their income taxes yet, there is still time to do so on time as Tax Day is Tuesday, April 18.
According to the Internal Revenue Service, the deadline to file taxes is April 18 this year instead of April 15 because of the Emancipation holiday observance in Washington, D.C.
Local tax preparer volunteers, who are part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program operated out of the Ohio County Public Library, are still busy filing the last of people's returns prepared at the library.
"We're not taking any more, but we're still doing them and reviewing them. We're having people sign them and e-filing them until Tuesday," VITA Site Coordinator Lynette Parker said, adding they stopped taking new clients on April 10.
Parker said VITA is an outreach program of the IRS, which provides the training and certification of volunteer tax preparers.
"The IRS provides all the training software, the library donates the space and maintenance of the space. It's a community partnership. We also work with Change Inc. out of Weirton; they administer a grant from the DHHR that helps us buy supplies, the paper for the printer, ink and pencils," she said.
Parker said about 3,000 people used the program this year, equating to about $3.3 million in returns coming back into the community.
"It's just a wonderful program. It saves people a lot of money. I like numbers so it was a good match for me," she noted. "I like people and to volunteer in the community."
VITA Assistant Site Coordinator Marsha Porter said VITA is an invaluable program that provides assistance to people of all ages.
"The best part is helping the older citizens of Wheeling, the ones who have no one to help them," Porter said.
Those who are interested in volunteering can call Porter at 740-633-2879. In addition to tax preparers, volunteers are also needed for other jobs such as answering telephone calls and interviewing clients.
While the program is geared toward lower-income residents and senior citizens, people of all ages and incomes seek help.
"There are ones who have gone through a traumatic event, as defined by them, and they are at their wits' end and don’t have any idea how to do this. It's a nice service and it’s free of charge," Parker said.