(Courtesy photo/TSC)
Special to the NEWS
BROWNSVILLE, TX —Texas Southmost College (TSC) is continuing with its annual tradition of offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to provide assistance to individuals who earn $67,000 or less annually and qualify to receive assistance from the VITA volunteers, free of charge.
For 23 years, Maggie Solis, Program Coordinator, and Instructor for TSC’s Accounting Technology program, has been involved with the TSC VITA site, with her efforts having greatly contributed to its continued effectiveness.
The program is a partnership between TSC and the United Way of Southern Cameron County, bringing together volunteers from the community and students enrolled in TSC’s Accounting Technology program to offer income tax filing assistance at the International Technology, Education, and Commerce Center (ITECC) campus. All volunteers have completed extensive training and possess the certification levels required by the IRS, according to program officials.
“The TSC students who are volunteers are certified through the IRS VITA certification program,” said Solis. “They are enrolled in a service-learning course which is part of the program, and they have participated in training sessions, and classes to prepare for the services.”
Volunteers can assist individuals in identifying tax credits, such as Earned Income Credit Tax and the Child Tax Credit. Additionally, as an IRS-certified site, TSC VITA volunteers can assist community members filing with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Volunteer tax preparers are certified, and the site operates under quality site requirements dictated by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Solis, who was awarded a certification of recognition by the IRS in 2023 for her longstanding service to the community, feels that the positive benefits of the VITA program reflect best through the countless individuals who have benefitted from its service.
“The student contributions are important because they are adding value to their learning, and they are assisting their community with these free tax services, so it is a win-win for both the students and the community. Last year, through the TSC VITA services, the site had over $4.3 million in tax refunds processed. It’s a win-win for both the students and the community.”
The TSC Vita site began offering its services on Monday, January 27, and will extend its services through April 15, 2025, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Individuals interested in utilizing the VITA program must schedule an appointment by calling (956) 295- 3761.
Once the appointment is confirmed, they should proceed to TSC’s ITECC Campus, located at 301 Mexico Blvd. at the designated appointment time. It is crucial that they also bring a valid photo identification, original Social Security Cards for all household members, a copy of the previous year’s tax return (if available), Health Insurance Forms 1095-A (if receiving insurance through the Marketplace), income documents such as Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099 from all employers and other income sources (Social Security, unemployment, pension, etc.).
Other required forms include: interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099), bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit of refund, for students with post-secondary tuition expenses or grant income: Form 1098-T, total paid for daycare provider and the provider’s tax ID number, identity theft prevention pin (if assigned by the IRS), and all other information pertinent to income tax filing.
Both spouses must be present to sign the required forms for Married Filing Jointly (VITA sites do not prepare Married Filing Separate returns).
Located at 80 Ft. Brown St. in Brownsville, TX. and originally established in 1926, TSC currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor’s degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. TSC offers 50 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
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