It seems like a New Year just began, but before long it will be Tax Day (that’s April 15, as a friendly reminder!). While some may be dreading this day because of the cost of seeking professional tax help to file, there is good news! Both the MVD and the City of Phoenix are offering free tax help programs this season.

The City of Phoenix Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has three alternatives for filing taxes for those meeting eligibility requirements. Save hundreds of dollars in paid preparer fees. Free services ensure all taxpayer’s income, deductions and allowable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)* are claimed and increase taxpayer education while promoting self-sufficiency.

1. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) available January 28, 2020
• Come to one of the City’s 21 VITA volunteer sites
• Certified IRS tax volunteers prepare and e-file tax returns for low to moderate income taxpayers ($56,000 or less per household)
• First come, first serve service and capacity is limited
• Locations and times vary
*EITC is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, certain requirements must be met, and a tax return must be filed even if taxes are not owed.

2. DIY (Facilitated Self Assistance) available January 28, 2020
• Use City computers and online tax preparation software
• In-person assistance from trained volunteers (within scope of program)
• Must bring prior year’s tax return and have access to one’s own email account
• No income limitations

3. MyFreeTaxes.com
• Self-paced, step-by-step guidance to file both Federal and State tax returns online for free
• IRS certified tax volunteers available via online chat
• Free for persons making less than $66,000 a year
• Complete at home or come and use one of the City’s computers

The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $55,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing and e-filing their own tax returns. Volunteers receive free training to prepare basic tax returns. No prior tax preparation experience is required.

In addition to the City of Phoenix, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is also serving as a source of tax help this year. 2019 vehicle and tax information is now available to ease the stress of filing, and the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is ready to help customers with 2019 fee and tax information — free of charge.

Vehicle owners can go to www.servicearizona.com and quickly get their vehicle fee and tax information by clicking on the “Vehicle Fees/Taxes Paid 2019” link listed on the home page.

“MVD is happy to provide this service to help make the tax season a little bit easier,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser Richards. “Getting the information in one place that’s easy to print out or copy electronically is a lot easier than going out to the garage and then making copies of your registration papers.”

All vehicles, including autos, trucks, ATVs, trailers, street-legal golf carts, among others will have the information available.

More information, visit www.servicearizona.com.