The United Way of McLean County, the Bloomington-Normal VITA Foundation and the Mt. Moriah Christian Church are offering free tax return preparation at five sites until April 13. (WJBC file photo)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – The United Way is teaming up with the Bloomington-Normal VITA Foundation and the Mt. Moriah Christian Church to offer free tax return preparation.

The Internal Revenue Service, which operates the VITA program (Volunteer Income Tax Assitance), estimates tax preparation cost an average of $261 in 2014. Brennan Wielgopolan with the United Way of McLean County said the program is aimed to help those with low income.

"For an individual who might be low income and might not have those dollars available, they can get their maximum refund and that money can go towards savings or day-to-day necessities instead of having to pay for a tax preparer," Wielgopolan said.

Single individuals with no dependents and an income of less than $35,000 per year are eligible for the free service, along with married people who have a combined income of $55,000 or less or single people with dependents and an income of $55,000 or less.

Those interested should bring all their tax information, like W-2 or 1099 forms, along with Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return, a government-issued photo ID and a copy of your 2013 federal tax return.

Sites and times:
Heartland Community College: Tuesdaysand Thursdays, 5-7:45 p.m.
Mid Central Community Action: Wednesdays 5-7:45 p.m.
Bloomington Housing Authority: Mondays 5-7:45 p.m. Saturdays 9-11:45 a.m.
Mt. Moriah Christ Church: Mondays(Feb. only), 2-6 p.m. Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m. Fridays, 2-6 p.m.
Normal Activity Center (Requires an appointment by calling their office at (309) 888-9099): Fridays, 9:30-2 p.m.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].