Contributed by Goodwill

Goodwill is preparing to help the community during tax season by offering free tax preparation services through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), an IRS-sponsored tax program.

For more than 10 years, Goodwill has provided free tax prep services for the community through a partnership with the IRS. Through that partnership Goodwill recruits and trains volunteers to prepare current year tax returns, prior year tax returns and amendments for households that earn less than $57,000 annually. In response to the IRS delayed e-file date, Goodwill will begin filing tax returns Feb. 12, 2021 and will run through the end of tax season on April 15, 2021. Current year tax returns will be prepared during tax season, while prior year tax returns and amendments will be completed by appointment after April 15, 2021.

Goodwill is offering multiple ways to get your taxes done for free this tax season as they implement more convenient ways for individuals to file their taxes. Taxpayers will have the option to choose between traditional in-person appointments, quick and easy drop-off appointments, virtual tax services, or a “do it yourself” (DIY) option. No walk-ins will be available this tax season as continued safety precautions remain in place. The health and safety of staff clients remain a priority and individuals who schedule in-person or drop-off appointments should expect increased sanitization of high-touch areas, social distancing, sneeze guard installations at the front desk and tax preparation stations, temperature scans, and encouraging the wearing of masks.

Tax services are available at the Midtown Columbus, Opelika, Phenix City, and Newnan Thomas Crossroads locations. To see which options are available at your nearest location or to make an appointment please visit www.goodwillsr.org/vita.

Documents needed for tax filing include:

•  Social security cards for yourself and all dependents

•  All income documents

•  All tax documents

•  Photo ID

•  Health insurance for 1095 A/B/C

•  Form 1098

•  Childcare expenses

•  2020 tax returns

•  Bank account information

Individuals who are interested in getting their taxes done for free at Goodwill can visit www.goodwillsr.org/vita to schedule an appointment or find more information about filing options.

About Goodwill Southern Rivers:

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) is one of 156 independent, community-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, GoodwillSR serves 50 counties throughout East Alabama and West Georgia. We provide employment readiness training, computer access, educational assistance, skills workshops and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities we serve. We can provide these and other programs thanks to the continued donations of giving patrons. We use the revenue generated in GoodwillSR stores to fund the majority of our community services. For more information about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, visit www.goodwillsr.org.