Miami Dade College (MDC) is once again spearheading an initiative to assist individuals earning $57,000 or less by providing free tax preparation services. This is part of the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), offering these crucial services from February 2 to April 13 across six MDC campuses throughout the county.
The initiative, which extends support to low-income individuals, the elderly, and non-English speaking residents in Miami-Dade County, is not just about preparing taxes but also about educating the community on available tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.
To take advantage of this service, participants are required to bring original documents including photo identification, Social Security cards or ITINs for themselves, spouses, and dependents, all relevant tax statements such as W-2s and 1099s, mortgage interest, property tax information, bank statements, and more.
For married couples opting for a joint tax return, both individuals must be present to sign the required forms. Appointments are necessary at some locations, and taxpayers are advised to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled time.
The VITA program at MDC is a testament to the college’s commitment to serving the community. It was initiated at the Wolfson Campus and has since expanded to include other campuses, harnessing the expertise of IRS-certified volunteers, including MDC students trained and supervised by the college’s professors and experienced coordinators.
This program not only provides a valuable service to the community but also enriches the educational experience of MDC students by allowing them to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.
For more information, including how to make an appointment and a comprehensive list of required documents, visit MDC’s VITA program webpage at https://www.mdc.edu/vita/. This initiative underscores MDC’s role in empowering its students and community members by providing them with the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of tax preparation and financial literacy.