Goodwill, United Way Partner to Provide Free Tax Preparation

February 10, 2021 – Sarasota

Goodwill Manasota is partnering with United Way Suncoast to provide free tax preparation and electronic filing services in Sarasota County to low- to moderate-income households. Starting on February 13 and continuing through April 14, volunteers will assist with free tax preparation at Goodwill’s North Sarasota (5150 N. Tamiami Tr.) and Venice (676 S. Tamiami Tr.) locations. Starting February 18, the service will be available at Goodwill’s North Port location (14879 Tamiami Tr.).

Goodwill and United Way are able to offer this service through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax help to those making less than $66,000, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Local volunteers are still being welcomed for tax preparation services.

Areas of focus for this year’s VITA program will be the Earned Income Tax Credit, with an average $2,500 credit for families, and Economic Impact Payments, which will be recovery rebates on this year’s tax return. 

“We are happy to partner with Goodwill to ensure that community members have access to life-changing supports such as VITA,” said Bronwyn Beightol, Chief Impact Officer UWS. “Our partnership will make it possible for more of our ALICE families and individuals to take advantage of this free service.”

VITA tax preparers can prepare returns with credits including the Additional Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care, Education Credits, and Retirement Saver’s Credit. VITA tax preparers cannot complete forms containing: Schedule C with losses, Complicated & Advanced Schedule D (capital gains and losses), Form SS-5 (request for Social Security Number), Form 8606 (non-deductible IRA), Form 8615 (minor’s investment income), or Form SS-8 (determination of worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding). 

“Tax season can be a time of extreme stress for many community members,” said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “The IRS VITA program is a wonderful service; we’re happy to partner with United Way Suncoast to provide information, resources and expert assistance to help residents to file their taxes while ensuring they receive every deduction to which they’re entitled.”

The free tax preparation will be offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Sarasota and Venice, and Thursdays in North Port. Appointments are required – go to unitedwaysuncoast.org/vita or call 813-419-3918 for further information and to make an appointment.