Due to the IRS' changing the tax deadline from April 15 to Monday, May 17, VITA locations in Chester County will also change their hours. Some sites will close, and others will have slightly different hours. Due to the delayed start of the tax season by the IRS and closure of many other tax preparation sites in the area, VITA has seen an unusually high volume of customers using its free services.
All sites are offering drop-off service only. When dropping off a return, three forms must be completed. A volunteer will check the paperwork and make copies.
Depending upon the demand for service at the time one visits a site, VITA may not be able to guarantee returns will be submitted to the IRS by the May 17 deadline. However, taxpayers will not receive any penalties form the IRS if their tax return shows a refund or breaks even. Only returns that owe an amount will be penalize by the IRS, and VITA is making efforts to ensure all tax returns are handled appropriately in relationship to the deadline.
Several sites will offer services through May 17. The Transformation Center, 645 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Orion Communities, 237 Bridge St., Phoenixville, will be open on Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Services, 1976 E. High St., Pottstown, will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services will be available at Providence Church/Westside Community Center, 430 Hannum Ave., West Chester, on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Services at Brandywine Grace Church, 40 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Downingtown, will be available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but will only provide service through Thursday, May 6. Services will be offered by appointment only through May 17 at the office of Sen. Katie Muth, 338 Main St., Royersford, on Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Photo IDs are required for the primary and secondary taxpayers. All relevant paperwork should be brought to the VITA location, including all W2/1099 forms or other income; original Social Security cards for everyone on the return; 1098 education forms; 1095 health insurance forms; information for all deductions and credits, including child care costs with the provider's tax ID number; and a copy of last year's return, if available. If unsure about a document, the taxpayer is encouraged to bring it along.
Residents may file their taxes for free at http://www.chestercountyfreetaxes.com. For more information, call 610-380-9099.
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