Financial Stability VITA

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What is VITA?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to individuals who meet certain criteria. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals and families.

No need to fear filing your taxes. We’re here to help.

File your taxes in person or virtually with a professional, IRS-certified tax preparer and keep more of your money. Claim what’s yours.

When it comes to doing taxes, many individuals just know the basics. Many of them forgo tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit because they are not well-informed or have simply not heard of them. Miami Tax Pros wants to make sure you know where to turn to for answers to all your questions and help put more money in your pocket.

Miami Tax Pros is a collaboration dedicated to improving the financial well-being of our community through a network of partners including local organizations, academic institutions, employers and public agencies working together to provide individuals and families with free services. These services range from year-round tax preparation to free financial coaching.

Click on the links below to learn more about EITC, other tax benefits, free online filing and free tax preparation.

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How do I know if I qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

With tax season underway, Miami Tax Pros is helping qualifying individuals and families gain access to professional free tax preparation and filing services, as well as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax benefits.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

You can review this page for the latest information directly provided by the IRS.

Find the maximum AGI, investment income and credit amounts for tax year 2023.

Children or relatives claimed

  • 1

  • 1

  • 2

  • 3 or more

Filing as single, head of household or widowed

  • $17,640

  • $46,560

  • $52,918

  • $56,838

Filing as married filing jointly

  • $24,210

  • $53,120

  • $59,478

  • $63,398

  • Investment income limit: $11,000 or less

Maximum Credit Amounts:

  • No qualifying children: $600

  • 1 qualifying child: $3,995

  • 2 qualifying children: $6,604

  • 3 or more qualifying children: $7,430

  • To qualify for either credit, you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a valid Social Security number.

What documents do I need for my tax preparation appointment?

2023 IMPORTANT FILING UPDATES:

There are several important updates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year’s filing season:

  • If you received advance payment of the Child Tax Credit, the IRS will send you Letter 6419 in January 2023 to provide the total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments that you received in 2021. You will need to keep this and any other IRS letters you received about advance CTC payments you received.
  • Individuals who didn’t qualify for the third Economic Impact Payment or did not receive the full amount may be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit based on their 2021 tax situation.
  • The CTC is worth $2,000 for each qualifying child for 2023. A child must be under age 17 at the end of 2023 to be a qualifying child.
  • The Child and Dependent Care Credit returns to a maximum of $2,000 in 2023 instead of $8,000 in 2021.

TO BRING ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT:

  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must sign the required forms.
  • Scanned original of Social Security Cards for taxpayer, spouse if married, and any dependents being claimed ITIN applications and renewals are free when you file a federal tax return.
  • Picture ID for taxpayer and spouse (must be a Driver’s License, state-issued ID card, or other official document)
  • All W-2s for all places worked in the previous year
  • Voided check or savings account number on a bank document for direct deposit
  • If you received a Premium Tax Credit in the previous year through the Affordable Care Act marketplace, form 1095-A.

IF APPLICABLE:

  • Copies of any 1099s issued
  • Bank account interest year-end statements
  • Student loan interest statement
  • Proof of child care expenses paid (statement from provider with EIN# or Social Security number)
  • Statement of post-secondary education tuition expenses paid
  • Social Security year-end statements
  • Any other documents related to taxes
  • Copy of last year’s taxes

IF ITEMIZING:

  • Copies of last year’s mortgage interest statements
  • Real estate taxes statement
  • Proof of charitable donations
  • Statement of work-related expenses
  • Auto registration and taxes paid in the previous year

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I go to get help with my taxes?

Visit MiamiTaxPros.com or call 211 to learn about FREE tax preparation services provided by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers.

What are the eligibility requirements for free tax assistance through VITA?

Why pay to file your taxes when you can file for free with an IRS-certified tax preparer?

If you earned $57,000 or less, you can prepare your own taxes safely and conveniently online. This resource will guide you step-by-step through preparing your own tax return and has many safeguards to ensure you get the best return possible. There is tax and customer support available 24/7, and you can find help with all the tax credits, itemized deductions and even small business income.

You may be eligible to get your taxes prepared with the help of Miami Tax Pros for free if one or more of the following are true:

You speak limited or no English
You are a person with a disability
You are age 60 or older
Your annual income this less than $57,000

What can I do to become financially stable?

If you are interested in paving a path to long-term economic independence, consider contacting a partner below to be connected with a professional financial coach.

United Way Center for Financial Stability
miamifinancialstability.org

Main:
3195 SW 3 Avenue
Miami, FL 33120
(305) 646-7171

Branches
branchesfl.org
North Location:
11500 NW 12 Avenue
Miami, FL 33168
(305) 688-3551 x2008

South Location:
129 SW 5 Avenue
Florida City, FL 33034
(305) 688-3551 x2008

Resources
MyFreeTaxes is a resource that will guide you step-by-step through preparing your own tax return and has many safeguards to ensure you get the best return possible.

Become an IRS-certified tax preparer and enjoy many happy, heartfelt returns.

Are you looking for a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in your community? Consider becoming an IRS-certified tax preparer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The training is free. All it takes is a big heart and few hours of your time to assist low-to-moderate income families with their tax returns. It’s a win-win for the community and your neighbors.

Last year, through our support of the Miami-Dade VITA Coalition for free tax preparation, 10,795 Miami-Dade taxpayers received:

  • $12,851,146 million in tax refunds
  • Earned Income Tax Credits of $4,796,082 million
  • $2.4 million of savings in tax preparation fees

By helping individuals and hardworking families put a little extra money in their pocket, you can play a vital role in providing a pathway to prosperity and stability to some of our community’s most vulnerable members. In return, you’ll enjoy free IRS-certified tax preparation training, real world work experience and networking opportunities.

Give hope through free tax help. Learn more on becoming a volunteer tax preparer today!

For more information, please contact [email protected]

Free Certification and Training

Volunteer training is offered at no cost, online and in the classroom. All study materials will be provided, and both weekday and weekend hours are available.

For more information, please contact [email protected] or (305) 442-8306 ext. 2011

VITA Volunteer Training Manual

VITA Tax Season Toolkit: https://unitedwaymiami.org/vita-tax-season-toolkit/

VITA Tax Season Toolkit

Know someone who can benefit from expert, free tax preparation? Please use these helpful tools to spread the word. To make the process more accessible, we are offering virtual appointments and in-person options at some locations.

FLYERS

Share or print these flyers and posters to spread the word about expert, free tax preparation.

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POSTERS

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SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

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