Cambridge and Somerville Health and Human Services Data Base
Resource Guide Logo - Click for Home PageCambridge Somerville Resource Guide Sharing Resources... Building Community. Click for home page
Everyday Information Home Create a New Fact Sheet Find Resource Links Help Contact Us
Fact Sheet Library: General Fact Sheet
From:
General Services:Financial Assistance / Money Management
Free Tax Filing Assistance
Written by: Marianne Colangelo of DHSP

Free Tax Filing Assistance!

You may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to get cash back from the IRS

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is a program of the IRS. VITA staff can prepare and electronically file your federal and state income tax returns -- for free.

Tax help is available at the following locations:


· CEOC (Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee) - 11 Inman Street in Central Square, behind Cambridge City Hall (617-868-2900)IRS certified staff are available by appointment only. Assistance is available as follows: Assistance is targeted to: persons with low or limited income; persons with disabilities; elders; and persons with limited English proficiency. CEOC is also an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) Acceptance Agent. Bilingual assistance is available for speakers of Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Kreyol.

· LIFT-Somerville and LIFT-Cambridge (two locations, as follows):

Ø LIFT-Cambridge Office - at the MultiService Center, 19 Brookline Street in Central Square (617-349-6338)
Assistance is available by appointment only. Call for information.

Ø LIFT-Somerville Office - at the Family Center, 366 Somerville Avenue, Union Square, Somerville (617-591-9400)
Assistance is available by appointment only. Call for information.
Assistance will be provided in English and Spanish. When calling to make an appointment, be sure to check to make sure your language can be spoken by a tax preparer.

· East End House - 105 Spring Street, East Cambridge (617-876-4444)
Boston University tax volunteers will be available by appointment only as follows:
two Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:00pm: March 10th and March 24th
Half-hour appointments will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Make sure to call (number above) or email (Emily@eastendhouse.org) Emily at East End House to make an appointment.

· Cambridge Public Library – Main Branch, 449 Broadway, 617-Tax assistance is available courtesy of the Harvard Law School TaxHelp Program during the months of February, March and April. Although open to all, the primary aim of this free program is to help the disadvantaged, the elderly, and those new to this country.

Tax assistance will be available at the Main Library starting February 5th on Fridays from 12-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-3pm. on a first come first-served basis.Please note: There will be no tax assistance on March 12-13 and March 19-20.

· North Cambridge Senior Center – 2050 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square (617) 349-6320. Tax assistance for seniors available on: two Thursdays from 1:30 to 4:30pm: March 11th and March 25th

IMPORTANT NOTE: To receive assistance, taxpayers should bring valid identification and should come prepared with all necessary information about household composition, income, and expenses, as follows:

· The Social Security Numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) of all household members

· Copy of 2008 tax return (if you have it)

· W-2 forms from all jobs worked in 2009

· Proof of health insurance, either 1099-HC form or ID card from MassHealth or Commonwealth Care

· 1098 and 1099 forms showing interest income or payments and property tax payments

· Information about any tuition or student loan payments, alimony paid or received, child or other dependent care expenses, etc.

· A blank check for direct deposit of your refund (If you don't have a checking account, bring your bank account name, number and the 9-digit American Bankers Association (ABA) routing number. Contact your bank if you need help finding this number.)