HELENA — The 2020 tax season officially begins on Monday Jan. 27, and The United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area (UWLCA) are reminding people that there is help available.
Each year UWLCA coordinates free tax help clinics through April for families with an annual income of $56,00 or less. IRS-certified volunteers will be on hand to help prepare and submit people’s taxes for 2019, and assist them in understanding and maximizing their deductions.
UWLCA Emily McVey says tax credits are some of the biggest economic incentives to help people out of poverty.
“It’s just really helpful for people to help pay past due bills, buy a new car or get into some other different kind of housing,” said McVey. “All those things that you don’t necessarily have the ability to do on month to month income when you’re making minimum wage.”
The clinics are a collaboration between UWLCA, Rural Dynamics, Rocky Mountain Development Council, AARP, the IRS and other area nonprofits.
The first clinics will be held Saturday February 3rd at Helena College from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Rocky Mountain Development Council from 9:00 am to 12:00 p.m. The Helena College clinic is walk-in only, but and appointment is required for the Rocky Mountain Development Council clinic.
A full list of clinic dates, locations and the materials people will need to bring can be found here. Due to construction, the main branch of the Lewis and Clark Library will not be holding clinics this year.
People unable to visit one of the clinics can file their taxes for free online at www.unitedway.org/myfreetaxes. The income restriction for the online service is $66,000.
The United Way Building on East Lyndale is also home to a virtual IRS computer which can help people resolve any tax issues they may have, no matter their income. The assistance is provided by appointment only (1-844-545-5640).
