With Tax Season in high gear, high school students in the Socorro Independent School District, through a partnership with GECU and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), are offering free tax preparation services now through April 15.
The services will be provided at Americas, Eastlake, Socorro, Montwood, El Dorado and Pebble Hills high schools.
The students are enrolled in various Career and Technical Education courses. Instructors, along with the students, have earned either a basic and/or advanced certification in order to be prepared to help community members file their taxes free of charge.
To receive services, taxpayers with an annual income of $60,000 or less can show up to one of the sites between 4:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. to file their 1040 EZ, 1040A and 1040 forms. Taxpayers who are disabled, elderly or limited English speakers who make above the maximum income may still be assisted in their tax preparations.
The process has been adjusted this year to incorporate safety measures and social distancing. Clients may drop off their documents at the high school through a drive-through service. The tax preparation program teacher/supervisor will assign the cases to a student who will prepare the paperwork.
The clients have the option to either sign electronically or return to the campus to sign their tax return. Throughout the process, tax preparers will ensure confidentiality and security of documents.
Individuals should take a photo identification card, original social security card for everyone listed in the income tax return, W-2 wage statements for the 2020 year, 1099-SSA, 1099-R and 1099-G, work expenses, 1095 health coverage, direct deposit information, the 1098 for student loans, proof of child dependent care expenses, and property tax statements. If filing joint, both individuals must be present. In addition, when dropping off documents, individuals must know how much money they received in each stimulus checks this past year.
SISD income tax preparation sites and schedule:
What: SISD students offering free tax preparation services at high schools
Who: SISD students, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, community members
Where: Americas, Socorro, Pebble Hills, Montwood, Eastlake, El Dorado high schools
When: March 4 through April 15, 2021 (See scheduled days below) 4:30 to 6:45 p.m.
Socorro High School, 10150 Alameda Dr.
Mondays, March 8-April 12 | (Closed March 15-19 and March 22)
Montwood High School, 12000 Montwood Dr.
Tuesdays, March 9-April 13 | (Closed March 15-19)
Eastlake High School, 13000 Emerald Pass
Tuesdays, March 9-April 13 | (Closed March 15-19)
El Dorado High School, 12401 Edgemere Blvd
Wednesdays, March 10-April 14 | (Closed March 15-19)
Americas High School, 12101 Pellicano Dr.
Thursdays, March 4-April 15 | (Closed March 15-19)
Pebble Hills High School, 14400 Pebble Hills Blvd
Thursdays, March 4-April 15| (Closed March 15-19)
