Free tax preparation assistance is available to anyone who makes $55,000 or less through STEP’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) at its Stuart office.

Assistance will be available from trained volunteers on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the STEP site in Stuart, beginning January 29.

Taxpayers need to bring the appropriate paperwork, including a picture ID, Social Security cards for all tax payers and dependents, and all tax related documents such as W-2s, as well as a copy of their last year’s tax return, if possible.

Those who take advantage of this service can save up to $200 in tax preparation fees, according to Yvonne Anderson, who is coordinating the program in Patrick County.

Last year, STEP helped residents in Patrick and Franklin counties e-file 507 returns.  STEP’s VITA program generates more than $1 million in refunds and tax credits for low-income residents, so they can use those funds for critical basic living needs such as groceries, utilities, transportation, child care, etc.

To make an appointment, call (276)694-2239.

VITA is an IRS sponsored program aimed at helping lower income individuals get the earned income credit they are entitled to.  STEP offers the assistance each year with the help of volunteers who are trained specifically for the job.