Free tax preparation available

The United Way of Kern County has returned to Shafter with the VITA tax preparation service available free for those residents who qualify for the program.

Qualified residents include those who have an annual income of $60,000 or less. According to Bob Meadows, Shafter business development director, said that there are three remaining dates for residents to get this free assistance. Each Friday session is at the Shafter Veterans Hall from 4 to 8 p.m. The remaining dates are March 13, March 27 and April 10.

This program falls under the United Way of Kern County' financial stability department, which is a free income tax assistance program that has granted low-income families and single individuals the option of not having to pay for a for-fee service.

Thanks to the help of multiple local partners and their volunteers, during the 2019 tax year, the program prepared over 2,500 tax returns and filed for $4 million in tax refunds.

Those interested in taking advantage of the service must provide a photo ID, all W-2s, Social Security Cards or ITIN for themselves and each family member or dependent. Also needed is childcare-provider information, including the name, address, and tax ID or Social Security number for each child to be claimed for child-care expense.

Banking information for direct deposit, such as routing number and account number, will be needed to for the refund.

The previous year's tax returns are helpful but are not required.

For more information, go to the United Way of Kern County website or call 661-834-1820.