LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro has announced the opening of free tax preparation to eligible residents Thursday morning.
Free tax services will be available through Louisville's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and AARP Tax Aide programs for individuals or families who earned less than $66,000 in 2020.
IRS-certified volunteers will help with federal and state taxes, as well as helping determine if residents are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable credit for low- to middle-income residents. Eligibility is based on income, the number of family members and other criteria.
The Louisville Asset Building Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, and AARP Tax Aide programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers to offer free tax services via online or at select drop-off sites. The service is available to individuals and families who earned less than $66,000 in 2020.
"For many working families, free help with taxes and guidance in qualifying for the EITC can be a game-changer," Mayor Greg Fischer said. "That’s money that could be used to start a savings account, buy a car, get braces for a child, pay books and college tuition, or start a college fund for their children."
In 2020, the VITA campaign and local AARP sites processed around 13,000 returns, and helping get nearly $3.5 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.
Because the pandemic has stopped any face-to-face tax filing, VITA is providing help both online and through drop-off sites.
Starting Feb. 8, residents can go to getyourrefund.org for online services, or residents can visit labcservices.org or call (502) 305-0005 for more information on drop-off locations.
AARP Tax-Aide helps anyone but specializes in those 60 and older. Select drop-off sites in Louisville will open starting Feb. 15. For more information, visit aarp-tax-aide-lou.org.
Individuals are asked to bring a picture ID and Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return, a copy of their 2019 tax return, W-2s and 1099s from employers, other forms for separate income or unemployment compensation, and bank account information.
A full list can be found on each website.
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