As the tax deadline quickly approaches, many individuals and families are already feeling the stress of preparing their taxes. Fortunately, United Way offers free tax resources to help make the process easier.

Through the United Way Free Tax Preparation program, individuals and families can access free tax prep services. Trained and certified tax preparers are available to assist with filing taxes, providing advice on tax credits and deductions, and helping to maximize refunds.

Free tax preparation services for taxpayers in Dodge County at the Mantorville Senior Center and the Dodge Center Library.

Volunteers who are IRS-certified will be able to prepare taxes for you. This program allows you to create an appointment and drop off your tax filing information to be prepared and filed by a volunteer. This is a free service available to Dodge county residents who meet the eligibility requirements.

You are NOT eligible for this program if:

  • Your adjusted gross income is in excess of $75,000
  • You own rental property (i.e. you are the landlord)
  • K-1 income unless it is interest, dividends and royalties – these types are approved
  • Small business income if that business has any of the following:
    • employees
    • payments to independent contractors
    • a loss for the year
    • you maintain inventory
    • total expenses over $35,000
    • hobby or “not-for-profit” income
    • business use of home
    • depreciation
  • Income from states other than Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin unless that state does not have an income tax (e.g. South Dakota is ok)
  • You have gain from the sale of assets other than stocks and mutual funds (e.g. sale of land, options or virtual currency are out of scope)
  • Non-cash charitable contribution of over $500
  • Farm income (or loss)
  • Self-employed SEP, SIMPLE and qualified plans
  • Cancellation of debt income other than personal credit card debt or qualified principal residence indebtedness
  • Nondeductible IRAs
  • Nonresident aliens who do not meet the green card or substantial presence test and are not married to a U.S. citizen or resident alien
  • Students on an F, J, M, or Q Visa or Teachers or Trainees on a J Visa
  • You, or your personal representative, are unable to come to the tax site
  • The above is a partial list of areas we are not trained in. If you have an unusual item please note the item when you schedule your appointment.

The above is a list of the most common out-of-scope items, but it is not necessarily exhaustive.

Please call 2-1-1 or 800-543-7709 to schedule an appointment or click here to schedule one online.

Preparing for your Appointment

  1. Appointments are 45 minute slots. Please arrive at appointment site on time. You are encouraged to wear a mask but it is not required at VITA sites.
  1. Taxpayers can pick up intake packets at one of the following locations:
    • Mantorville Senior Citizen Center – there will be a container in front of the building
    • Dodge Center Library – More site information to come
  2. Intake forms should be filled out before you come to the appointment, if you have NOT gotten an intake packet, you must arrive at their appointment around 15 minutes early to fill out all necessary paperwork
  1. All paperwork will be given to tax preparer and there will be face to face discussions with taxpayer, but they may ask you to leave (to limit contact) and come back to pick up your completed tax forms.
  1. Most taxes will be done on the same day if not you will have to make another appointment.

 

Filing Taxes Online

Filing online can be simple and easy if you have all of the necessary documents. Online filing options will prompt you to enter information and will guide you through questions to file your taxes on your own.

MyFreeTaxes

  • Simple tax situations covered for free in MyFreeTaxes include: W-2 income; limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV; student education expenses, credits or student loan interest; unemployment income; claiming the standard deduction; EITC; child tax credits; child and dependent care expenses.
  • Unfortunately, MyFreeTaxes no longer provides a free return to filers who are self-employed. Self-employed filers will need to report all of their income and expenses on a Schedule C form, which is not included in the MyFreeTaxes software. If you are self-employed, and wish to use MyFreeTaxes to file your taxes, you will only be charged $24.99 for a federal return and $18.50 for each state return (a 50% discount).
  • You can easily file your taxes using MyFreeTaxes.com from your mobile phone, tablet or computer. It’s easy to use; just upload a picture of your W-2 to autofill your information. It guides you through the process to guarantee you get your maximum refund.
  • Most filers complete their taxes in under one hour and save an average of $200 in fees by using MyFreeTaxes instead of a paid tax preparer

**A help line is available at: 866-698-9435 

You can file your taxes for FREE or low-cost at MyFreeTaxes.com (in Spanish MyFreeTaxes) and have your taxes prepared online with assistance for taxpayers you make less than $58,000 annually.

If you’re looking for free tax resources, the United Way is a great place to start. With its wide variety of resources and programs, United Way is committed to helping people get the most out of their tax returns. From free tax preparation and filing assistance to financial education programs, United Way is here to help you get the help you need.

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