ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Tax season is officially underway. For anyone needing help with tax preparation, the United Way Suncoast is offering free services in five counties — Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and Desoto.
“We provide free tax preparation,” United Way Suncoast Senior Manager of Financial Stability Margarita Sorah said.
Sorah said 44 sites are open across the five counties. About 500 people will support you through VITA, or the United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Their service follows 16 hours of volunteer preparation.
“The training process is intense,” Sorah said. “I’m not even going to sugarcoat that. It is intense. We also offer financial coaching. We’re the only VITA program that is going to offer ITIN services. ITIN is the Individual’s Taxpayer Identification Number. This is a number that the individuals who are undocumented if they don’t have a social security [number], they apply for an ITIN. Because they are undocumented, because they’re working, they still must apply for their taxes.”
Volunteers will complete, verify, and mail documentation for individuals.
Sorah said this is the most important requirement for volunteers:
“I’m going to tell you 2 small words that mean a lot: be kind. Be kind because you don’t know what these individuals are going through. Just because it is a free service, doesn’t mean it isn’t a business,” Sorah said.
The financial coaching that Sorah referenced, she said, is especially crucial now.
“We have individuals that are living paycheck-by-paycheck. And we have individuals that really count on this refund,” Sorah said. “We’re talking about housing crisis now. Where rents are going sky high. People who could afford their rent one year, now, this year, they’re struggling.”
The United Way is offering help through April 18. The United Way will host its annual Tax-A-Thon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the Sarasota office located at 1800 2nd Street, Suite 102.
When you go, bring a federal photo ID, original social security cards and birthdates for all family members. Also, if you've received a letter from the IRS, bring it with you. To book an appointment with the United Way Suncoast, click here.