Walls For Governor

Free Tax Help

While the IRS may seem like the last place you’d turn for help, that’s exactly where you should go for FREE assistance on preparing your taxes instead of those high-price services.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low- to moderate-income (generally $42,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-829-1040.

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program provides free tax help to people age 60 and older. As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program, AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 7,000 sites nationwide during the filing season. To locate a site near you, go here and put in your zip code.

Free Credit Repair

Many Americans are in credit trouble and don’t know how to get back on track. Here’s an unlikely source to turn to for free assistance: Uncle Sam!

The Federal Trade Commission has many publications to get you on the road to good credit and can also tell you your rights in dealing with collection agencies. Get started at www.ftc.gov.

You can also get FREE counseling at your local County Cooperative Extension Service listed in the government section of your phone book under County Government.

Free Benefits Guide

Do you think you may be eligible for government benefits, but aren’t sure? Believe it or not, Uncle Sam has BILLIONS of dollars to give away for free… if you know where to look.

A website has been established at http://www.govbenefits.gov, which is designed to help you negotiate through all the programs. Fill out a short questionnaire, and you’ll be provided with a list of benefits that may apply to you, as well as a full description and links to the resources.

Free Tax Help for Military Personnel

Military persons and their families receive free tax preparation. The Armed Forces Tax Council consists of the tax program coordinators for the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

The AFTC oversees the operation of the military tax programs worldwide and serves as the main outreach by the IRS to military personnel and their families. They are trained and equipped to address military-specific tax issues, such as combat zone tax benefits and the effect of the new Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) guidelines.

Free Help to Start a Business

If it’s your dream to start a business, you should know that you don’t have to go it alone. The government supports over 1,000 offices all over the country called Small Business Development Centers.

They will sit down with you and help tackle any problem you may be having with your business, such as funding, filling out forms, taxes, marketing, technical issues, contracting, etc.

All their services are free or for very little cost. For a center near you contact 1-800-8-ASK-SBA or visit them online.