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Free tax help available at library

WHEELING — The year 2020 was taxing for many, but local residents can get free help on their 2020 tax return again this year from a volunteer group working out of the Ohio County Library.

Tax preparers providing services to Volunteers In Tax Assistance are available this tax season, though there isn’t as much one-on-one interaction between the taxpayer and the accountant as COVID concerns continue, explained VITA tax preparer Bill Fuller.

“I do this every year,” Fuller said. “I have been doing it since 1995.

“We’re free and we’re still there, but think some people don’t know about us.”

Those needing tax help begin by obtaining and completing the forms required by VITA. This can be done by going to VITA’s website at vitaocpl.com, or by coming to the main door at the front of Ohio County Library. The library is closed, but packets containing the forms and necessary instructions are in a box there.

Fuller said taxpayers should fill out the forms, then call 304-232-8985 to set up a time to bring them inside.

The taxpayer actually will have two scheduled meetings at the library. At the first, they will present their form and accompanying documents to a worker upstairs at the library, who will review the forms and check the taxpayer’s identification, he said.

The tax forms then will be taken downstairs, where a tax preparer will do the tax return for the taxpayer. When it is completed, the taxpayer will receive a call to set up a second appointment with the accountant to review their tax return.

“You will never be with the tax preparer until the end, when they go over your taxes with you,” Fuller said.

VITA uses IRS software, and returns are electronically filed.

The free service is available to any taxpayer regardless of income.

“It doesn’t matter how many W-2s you have … ,” he said. “We’ve helped oil and gas people. And it’s all free.”

VITA services are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

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