Free Tax Service

Jackson, MS—As part of its on-going free tax service, the United Way along with the Jackson Asset Building
Coalition will prepare taxes for free at Metrocenter Mall, lower level center court from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Anyone whose earned household income was less than $49,000 in 2009 can take advantage of this IRS-certified
program called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). The service is completely free, refunds and credits can be
deposited directly into bank accounts, and volunteer tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS.

“We hope everyone who qualifies for VITA takes advantage of this service. We can save the average tax payer
hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees,” says Ira Murray, Vice President of Community Impact for United Way.
“Clients who use the VITA service keep their entire refund and pay nothing for the service. In some cases, we find
that clients qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which puts even more money into their pockets,” he
said.

The VITA program has been in operation in the area for several years, but last year United Way greatly expanded
the program with the help of a grant from the IRS. “Last year we filed 2,081 tax returns which put $3.7 million back
into our community in the form of refunds and credits,” says Mandy Scott, Director of Marketing and Community
Relations for United Way. “This year we hope to grow the program 25 percent.”

Anyone interested in taking advantage of free tax preparation can dial 2-1-1 to reach United Way’s assistance
referral line to inquire about VITA site locations, hours of operation, and other United Way events. Anyone who is
interested in hosting VITA volunteers for your employees or group members can also dial 2-1-1 to be connected with
a United Way staff member who can schedule an event.

Items clients must have with them in order for their taxes to be prepared are:
• ORIGINAL Social Security cards for everyone claimed on the return (NO PHOTOCOPIES ACCEPTED);
• Valid photo identification;
• All income documents such as W-2’s, 1099’s, etc.;
• Bank routing number and account number for direct deposit.

For more deatils click here.