IRS funds local free tax preparation services

Free tax preparation services will be available for families in Southwest Iowa as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.  

Only Basic Federal, Iowa and nearby state returns will be processed. Most returns will be electronically filed and to speed up the refund process participants are encouraged to have a savings or bank account.  

The program is open to Iowa residents in Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Rural Pottawattamie, Cass, Mills, Montgomery, Fremont and Page Counties. Participants should have low to moderate income below 200% of poverty. For example, yearly income should be less than $37,060 for a family of 3, less than $44,700 for a family of 4, less than $52,340 for a family of 5, etc.  

The VITA program is a joint effort of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Iowan's for Social and Economic Development. The program is financially supported by the IRS and the Iowa Department of Human Services.

For more information, contact Mary Beth Kaufman, ISU Extension Program Specialist and VITA Coordinator (712)755-3104. For more information or to make an appointment, call the Montgomery County Extension Office in Red Oak after Jan. 18, 623-2592. Other tax sites will be available in Logan, Harlan, Atlantic, Malvern, Clarinda and Shenandoah.