It’s tax time, and for many, this can be a very trying time. Some procrastinate or wait until the last minute to complete this mission, and find themselves rushing around like chickens with their heads cut off.

Although many people do their own taxes, most prefer to have them done by a professional. This can be rather expensive if you are below a certain tax bracket, yet it is a part of life.

To help ease this burden, Penn Valley and other community agencies are offering free federal and state tax preparation and electronic filing services to taxpayers with incomes of less than $39,000.

This is a plus for many students, especially those planning to transfer to four-year institutions in the fall. Most colleges offer an incentive for filing FAFSA applications early.

For those planning to attend UMKC in the fall, the deadline was March 1, but they do offer other incentives for those who get taxes done early. However, other institutions may vary. Consult the financial aid department at the school you plan to attend in the fall for this information.

To be applicable for assistance, the person filing needs to have the following information:

* Photo identification for taxpayer and spouse
* Social security cards for everyone in the household, OR Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers
* Last year’s income tax return and income documentation (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
* College tuition documentation
* Daycare federal ID #
* Itemized deductions
* If elderly or disabled, paid property tax or rent documentation for rebate
* Bank account and routing number for direct deposit

Penn Valley will be providing tax prep services every Tuesday through April 14, 2007, from 4pm until 8pm on the fourth floor of the Campus Center.

Additional community-based agencies and organizations providing tax services can be found by logging in at www.kccash.org. and clicking Flyer 2007.

Copyright 2007 Metropolitan Community College