Cash from Tax Refunds and Help for Filing Tax Returns

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How to Prepare for Tax Filing

Tax filing starts in January 2024. Here's how you can prepare now:

If you are a parent/guardian who claims your child(ren) as dependents every other year, confirm who is claiming them before filing. If both taxpayers claim a child on separate tax returns, this may create errors and tax refunds may be delayed or even disallowed.
Confirm that you have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Make sure you have proof of income. Confirm that you employer will provide you a W-2 or that you will receive a 1099 for contractor work. Keep track of your income and expenses if you are self-employed.

Once Tax Season Starts

File your taxes for free. Most VDSS clients qualify for free tax filing assistance.
File your tax return electronically, if possible. Electronic filing reduces errors and helps you get your tax refund faster.
Free tax filing assistance is available through the IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. To find a VITA site, you can use the VITA Site Locator, dial 2-1-1, or visit www.211virginia.org.
Free tax filing assistance is also available through: GetYourRefund.org/VDSS
- This website will walk you through a four-step process:
  1. Answer questions about your income and household.
  2. Upload pictures or files for your identity, income, and other tax documents.
  3. Your tax preparer will review everything with you over the phone (you can choose text or phone call options). Be sure to have a reliable phone number for the review to take place.
  4. Your tax preparer will help you file your completed tax return electronically.

Additional Help

If you need help responding to an IRS notice or audit, or you require any other tax assistance, you can:

Custodial and non-custodial parents:

Usually, custodial parents claim any qualifying children as dependents.
Non-custodial parents may qualify for the childless EITC and tax refunds can help pay off child support debts.

Missing income proof documents?

You can still file by filing out IRS Form 4852, "Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement".

No permanent address or experiencing homelessness?

You may be able to use an address from a trusted relative or friend, a shelter, or a service provider, such as a health care clinic or community action agency.

Information for employers: Effective July 1, 2009, § 40.1-28.7:3 of the Code of Virginia requires employers to post notices about the federal EITC and Virginia Credit for Low Income Individuals (CLI).