Several groups volunteer to help elderly and low income individuals with tax preparation. VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) was established for families earning less than $52,000 a year and is helped in part by the United Way of the Midlands. United Way has a list of locations on their website. There is also a phone number for more information.
The AARP also offers free assistance and has a locator on their website. The South Carolina Department of Revenue has a list of volunteer assistance locations for several counties in the state. The IRS has lists of VITA and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) programs. Visit the Get Free Tax Prep Help website and the Contact My Local Office in South Carolina website for more information.
NON-IRS SERVICES
Local banks and tax-prep companies may also provide free help.
Free preparation of simple returns is available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide.
H&R Block offers free simple return prep at its storefronts through the end of February.
