Free income tax preparation is available for families who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and for single individuals who don’t have high incomes. These locations are staffed by trained volunteers who want to see you keep your hard-earned money. Locations and hours will be posted on this website during tax season or you can call the 211 community helpline by dialing 2-1-1 on your home phone. For cellular or pay phones, you must dial (toll free) 1-800-922-2283 to talk to volunteers at 211.

If you use a paid tax preparer, avoid “rapid refund loans”. Rapid refund loans have very high interest rates and you can end up paying a lot of money for very little benefit. When your income tax return is electronically filed and directly deposited into a checking or savings account, you receive your refund in 7 – 10 days. Why pay someone to give you your own money just a few days earlier?

Free tax help continues by appointment through October 2008 at Trident Urban League, 476 E. Meeting St., Charleston. Call 965-4037 for information.

Charleston Region Free Tax Sites and Hours of Operation for 2009
will be posted when available

What should I bring to complete my taxes?

• Social Security Number for each family member you will claim.
• W-2 or 1099 form for each job you worked in 2006.
• End of year statements for other income you received in 2006 such as bank interest, social security, unemployment, etc.
• End of year 401(k) statement.
• Child care provider name, address and tax ID number
Records of expenses for tax credits and deduction, like child care, education, medical costs, etc.
• A copy of last year's tax return if you have it.