Through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, Berks Encore volunteers are offering free income tax assistance until April 15. The services are provided at no charge for senior citizens and low to middle-income families (generally $54,000 and below) who cannot afford to hire an accountant. Appointments are available at the Fleetwood, Mifflin, Reading, Strausstown and Wernersville centers starting Feb. 1; Berks Encore is now scheduling appointments.
Returns are completed at each of Berks Encore’s activity centers by certified volunteers. Berks Encore is also partnering with Berks Community Action Program (BCAP).
Certified volunteers, many of whom are senior citizens, prepare for the tax season by completing 20 hours of tax training for Federal returns and for Pennsylvania State returns, including the Rent and Property Rebate Forms. The volunteers must also pass a state-mandated tax test following the training session.
VITA volunteers can prepare federal, state and local tax forms as well as property tax and rent rebate forms. They can also direct you to someone for help on your PACE/Pacenet applications. A bilingual volunteer is available to assist the Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations.
Please note, to file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. If your spouse cannot attend, please reschedule your appointment so our staff can assist others.
Due to changes in the program, there are tax situations that Berks Encore volunteers are no longer able to prepare. If any of these apply to you, please see a paid tax preparer: Your income is more than $54,000; you have or claim rental property; you have a non-deductible IRA (form 8606); you have multiple or complicated stock or brokerage accounts; you have trust or investment-related income reported on a form K1; you have a shared policy from the healthcare marketplace; you need to file multiple state returns; and/or you’re self-employed and expect to show a loss.
To schedule an appointment, please contact the Berks Encore center closest to you. Hours vary by center. Limited evening and Saturday hours are available at the Berks Encore-Reading Center. For additional information regarding the program, please call 610-374-3195 ext. 209.