NEWS RELEASE
January 27, 2009
For more information contact:
Jennifer Denham
United Way of Central Florida
(863) 648-1500, Ext. 257
FREE TAX PREPARATION SITES OPEN IN FEBRUARY
Polk County, FL - Local volunteers will provide free income tax preparation at a number of sites in Polk County during February. Some sites will remain open through April 15th.
The United Way of Central Florida is working with community groups and local businesses to make hours available for free tax preparation for families with incomes up to $42,000.
Employees from Mosaic, State Farm Insurance, W.S. Badcock Corporation and members of the Junior League of Winter Haven have been trained to work with families to prepare their taxes and help them find deductions and benefits to increase family financial stability.
Mosaic employees will manage a site in Fort Meade, State Farm Insurance in Eloise, W. S. Badcock Corporation in Mulberry and the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven in Florence Villa. There will also be a site in Lake Wales at B Street Community Center.
Word Alive Ministry on Memorial Avenue in Lakeland will replace the Lakeland Housing Authority site that will not open this filing year. Concerned Citizens of Waverly maintain a site and Americorp Vista volunteers manage a site in Bartow. AARP sites are in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Frostproof, Haines City and Lake Wales. The AARP sites are authorized to process returns for families up to $42,000 and higher incomes for seniors.
Site hours and locations will change during the tax season so tax-filers should confirm dates and times by dialing the public information number 2-1-1 or cell users may dial 863-648-1515. Access to site information can also be found by visiting the United Way web site at www.uwcf.org.
Filers should bring the following information:
1) Picture ID for individual and spouse.
2) W2 and 1099's.
3) Social Security card for everyone, including children.
4) Evidence of any Real Estate Tax (this is new; you no longer have to itemize to claim this).
5) If children were in childcare: Name, address, ID# of childcare provider, and amount you paid in 2008.
6) How much you received from the Economic Stimulus Payment in 2008.
7) Bank documents showing routing and account numbers - for quicker return by direct deposit.
8) Your 2008 tax return.
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