Free Tax Preparation

Need help with your tax preparation? If you live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles or metro-east Illinois and your household income was less than $49,000 in 2010 you may qualify for free tax help – and you might get more money back. Starting Saturday, January 29, the Gateway EITC Community Coalition will offer free tax help to those who qualify.

If your 2010 household income was less than $49,000 and you do not require any itemizations such as schedules A, B, C or D, you qualify for EITC tax assistance. Please bring the following documents with you to the preparation:

• All W-2’s and 1099’s (if any)
• Social Security Card(s) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number(s) - ITIN - for all family members
• Valid picture ID for taxpayer and spouse (driver’s license or state ID or passport)
• Copy of your 2009 tax return (if applicable)
• 1098 or real estate tax receipt
• Proof of unemployment compensation (if valid)
• Copy of a voided check or bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
• Sales tax receipt of new auto purchase (if applicable)
• Proof of child care expenses (if valid)
• Amount of advanced EITC payment
• If married, must file jointly and both spouses must be present to sign paperwork
• Parcel number (Illinois residents only)

Information provided by Carrie Zukoski, public relations director for United Way of Greater St. Louis