WASHINGTON — The 2021 tax filing season is here, and resources exist across the D.C. metro area to help qualifying residents file their taxes for free.
With a possible third stimulus check on the way, your taxes will be a big factor in how much money you may receive
For example, if you made above the maximum income in 2019 but fell below it in 2020, you'll want to file your tax return as soon as possible to get the full stimulus payment. This would also apply if you welcomed a new baby in 2020. However, the opposite is true if you made more in 2020. In this case, you may want to wait to file.
Here are some resources to help whenever you decide to file.
Residents across the area can use the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs both offer free basic tax return preparation.
The VITA program offers assistance to people who make $57,000 or less, those with disabilities; and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
The TCE program offers help for those who are 60 and older and specialize in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues.
In addition, the City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation to qualifying residents; Individuals and families with income up to $55,000.
The city specifies via the website that volunteers from Community Tax Aid, Inc. “will ensure that taxpayers apply for all applicable credits and deductions, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which people often don’t realize they are eligible to receive.”
The District also offers free assistance. Residents can make use of walk-in center customer service specialists. According to the website, those specialists will “prepare District individual income tax returns at no cost for anyone requesting the service.”