MCC Offers Free Tax Help

Tax season is upon us and it's time to file your local, state and federal tax returns.

McHenry County College is providing free help for those who meet the requirements now through Apr. 16, (excluding Mar. 27 to Apr. 3, which is spring break week).

Hours of operation are 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays in Room A106 at the MCC, 8900 Us. Highway 14, Crystal Lake.

According to a press release by MCC, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic will prepare tax returns for individuals with incomes less than $25,000 and families with incomes less than $50,000.

This is the fourth year the MCC is providing the program and all VITA volunteers are tested and certified by the IRS.

Ann Esarco, MCC accounting instructor, said last year we completed over 600 tax returns. This year, we are up 25% from this time last year.

She said "the community benefits when tax refund dollars are returned to the community allowing the dollars to be spent in the local economy. Last year, more than $1 million in refunds were returned to our local community." 

Participants will need to bring the following: valid photo ID for main taxpayer on return, Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, letters for those reported on the tax return, W2 forms and other income documents.

The copy of last year's tax return and bank account information for direct deposits will also be helpful in the tax filing process.

A Spanish-speaking translator will be available on Wednesday nights.