VITA Tax Assistance

The Fairfield Public Library is pleased to once again be able to offer no cost, full service tax preparation assistance through VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service. This helpful service has been offered at the Library for over 20 years and is made available in special consideration of seniors and low to moderate income households, but is available to local residents of all ages and incomes. 

Tax preparation and electronic filing of state and federal taxes will be offered at the Main Library on Tuesdays each week beginning January 28 through April 14, and Wednesday, April 15. Tax preparers will be available from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm in the Rotary Room at the Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road. People are seen on a first come, first served basis – there are no appointments. If married, both spouses should be present.

Important documents taxpayers must be sure to bring include: a government issued photo identification form such as a license or passport; Social Security or ITIN numbers for all taxpayers and dependents and bank account/routing numbers (blank check preferable) if expecting a refund. Bring all 2018 income report forms received such as: SSA1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits; W-2(s) from your employer(s); W-2G from gambling winnings; 1099G from unemployment compensation payments; and 1099s, for bank interest, stock dividends, retirement distributions, broker statements and miscellaneous income.

Other important documents to bring include: receipts for deductible expenses including real estate and vehicle taxes paid; verification of the original purchase price of sold assets (home, stocks, etc.); receipts/canceled checks if itemizing deductions (e.g. charitable contributions) and Proof of Health Insurance (Form 1095-A from the Access Health Connecticut Marketplace or private plan identification). It is also helpful to bring a copy of last year’s (2017) Federal and State income tax returns.  

Through the VITA program in Connecticut over 52,000 federal returns were processed last year. Some 750 of these returns were prepared and filed at the Fairfield Public Library, almost all electronically. Refunds totaling approximately $860,000 were received by Fairfield clients.