As tax filing season approaches, Chester County residents are reminded that their taxes can be prepared free of charge through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which is offered locally by Life Transforming Ministries (LTM) in Coatesville. This year, tax preparation sites are located in Coatesville, Downingtown, Exton, Kennett Square, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Royersford and West Chester. The sites opened on Jan. 27 and will remain open through Tuesday, April 15.

VITA is a program offered by the IRS to partner organizations, like LTM. "VITA offers free federal and state tax preparation for hard-working families or people who do not earn high wages," said Lyneesha Johnson, who is in charge of marketing and communication for LTM.

Those who choose to make use of the program are first asked to visit http://www.ChesterCountyFreeTaxes.org and choose "For Tax Filer," then select "Items You Need to Bring." There, visitors can download intake forms that can be completed ahead of time.

"We have a link on our site for tax filers. Under there, there is a link, and it gives you all the steps you take, and there are intake forms to download and print out," said Johnson. "We have them on-site as well."

"You fill them out it out and bring them along with supporting documentation needed for your personal finances and drop them off," Johnson added.

All documents are scanned, and the taxpayer leaves with the originals. "They come back in and sign the final return before it is transmitted," Johnson noted.

Every site is run by volunteers who are trained and certified by the IRS. "Some have a background in finance, but some don't. (Volunteers) are looking for ways to give back," Johnson noted. "All volunteers go through certification, and we have site coordinators who are more advanced and are there to support the volunteers who need help."

No appointments are necessary, and donations are accepted for VITA's local sponsor, Life Transforming Ministries.

LTM's VITA program began in 2004 in Coatesville. According to Donna Laird, VIA director, 15 paper returns were completed that first year. "We completed 2,508 returns last year resulting in an economic impact of over $3.7 million back into the community," Johnson reported.

She recalled one client in particular who received a large refund. "Our director, Donna, shared a story about one family who wound up getting $20,000. They have a big family and lots of children. That is extreme, but it happened," she said. "People have no idea that they qualified for credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit. VITA exist because the IRS wants people to know they are eligible and take advantage of that. Lots of families need money to catch up on rent and medical (bills), and the refund (can be) enough to help them get back on their feet."

She noted that while the training period for tax preparation is over for the year, volunteers are still needed at the various sites to work as greeters and to walk people through the intake.

For complete details, including a list of VITA office locations, visit the previously mentioned website or search for "LTM VITA" on Facebook. Individuals with questions and those who would like to volunteer may contact Laird at dlaird@QuietRevolution.org or 610-380-9099.