CLEWISTON — Starting Jan. 30, 2024, the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is proud to announce the commencement of its annual free tax filing assistance program. Designed to support Southwest Florida residents in maximizing their earnings, the United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will offer complimentary federal tax filing services at various convenient locations throughout Hendry County.

Residents can now book an appointment at the newest location held at the Clewiston Adult School at 315 N. San Pedro St., Clewiston, FL 33440. Additionally, tax assistance services will be accessible at the Labelle United Way and the Labelle Goodwill Community Resource Center.

Eligibility for the VITA program is extended to individuals and families earning less than $66,000 annually. Additionally, self-employed individuals with expenses under $35,000, and no business loss, depreciation, or employees, are encouraged to take advantage of this free service.

Each tax return is prepared by an IRS certified VITA volunteer who must pass an annual, comprehensive exam before preparing a single tax return. They are trained to determine if the taxpayers are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), education credits, child tax and/or dependent care credits.

This crucial service empowers clients by granting access to vital tax assistance, resulting in an average savings of $300 per tax return, allowing residents to redirect these funds towards essential needs like food, medical care, and housing.

“We recognize the significant impact that tax credits and deductions have on an individual’s tax bill or refund,” stated Patrice Cunningham, Vice President of the Volunteer Center. “Our experienced volunteers actively educate clients on identifying eligible credits and deductions, underscoring the crucial role they play. Tax credits, particularly those like the Earned Income Tax Credit, directly reduce the tax bill on a dollar-for-dollar basis and can even lead to a refund.”

For more information on United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, including a list of locations and eligibility requirements, and to book an appointment please visit Unitedwaylee.org/freetaxprep or call United Way at 239-433-7559 or 239-433-3900.

Taxpayers can also e-file themselves free of charge with MyFreeTaxes.com or let our virtual VITA volunteers file their return online through GetYourRefund.org/uwlee It is simple and secure while offering online assistance with the process. Tax filers answer simple questions about their situation and securely upload their tax documents. The VITA team remotely prepares the tax return, speaks with the tax filer to review their return, and files the return with the tax filer’s consent.