The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has established numerous programs to assist taxpayers in filing their taxes accurately and efficiently. One such program is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative. The VITA program offers free tax help to individuals who need assistance in preparing their tax returns, with a particular focus on those who make $57,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals who speak limited English.
VITA centers are manned by IRS-certified volunteers who provide eligible taxpayers with basic income tax return preparation assistance, free of charge. The VITA program’s intent is to help those who may have difficulty paying for professional tax preparation services and to ensure that they receive all the credits and deductions they are entitled to, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), and Credit for Other Dependents.
Many taxpayers are unfamiliar with these credits or find the filing process daunting. The VITA program simplifies the process and ensures that taxpayers can maximize their returns or minimize the amount they owe. Additionally, VITA locations often offer free electronic filing (e-filing), allowing for faster refunds and increased accuracy.
While VITA program is meant for relatively simple tax situations, there are instances when these filers have to contend with complex tax concepts. This is particularly true for individuals who own businesses that have global operations. In these cases, they must deal with issues such as the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) and other international tax provisions.
The GILTI provision, introduced in 2018, is a U.S. tax law that imposes a reduced tax rate on foreign income of U.S. companies. Its objective is to minimize the incentive for U.S.-based multinational corporations to shift their profits abroad to countries with lower tax rates. Individuals with direct or indirect ownership interests in foreign corporations through U.S. partnerships, S corporations, or trusts may be subject to GILTI.
GILTI is an intricate provision of the U.S. tax code and it requires specialized knowledge to accurately file. Although the VITA volunteers are not specifically trained in international tax law, they have access to resources that can provide guidance on these topics. If the volunteers are unable to provide the necessary assistance, they can refer these taxpayers to professionals who are proficient in international tax laws and GILTI provisions.
VITA tax preparation process begins by scheduling an appointment at a local center. Taxpayers must bring all necessary documents, including identification, Social Security cards for themselves and their dependents, all tax document forms, and a copy of last year’s tax return if available. The VITA volunteers will then help the taxpayers prepare their current year tax return and file it electronically, if possible.
In conclusion, the VITA program is an incredible resource for those who need help with basic income tax return preparation. It guarantees that taxpayers, especially low- to moderate-income ones, are able to file their taxes accurately and receive all the credits and deductions they qualify for. As for complex provisions like GILTI, VITA volunteers can guide taxpayers to appropriate resources to ensure that these are handled correctly.
This free tax preparation assistance not only promotes compliance with tax laws and maximizes returns for eligible taxpayers, but it also serves a broader purpose of promoting financial literacy and empowerment, leading to improved financial security and prosperity for our communities.