Texas Border Business
With income tax season right around the corner, people have been making preparations to ensure that they have everything in order to file their returns. However, there are some who are unable to make use of a professional tax service because of the associated fees.
Fortunately, Texas Southmost College is continuing with its annual tradition of offering the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program to provide assistance to individuals who earn $67,000 or less annually qualify to receive assistance from the VITA volunteers free of charge, which can be a huge relief to many local households.
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 the result of a partnership between TSC and the United Way of Southern Cameron County, bringing in volunteers from the community and students enrolled in TSC’s Accounting Technology program joining together 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 requires by the IRS.
“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 theyhave participated in training sessions and classes to get ready 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).Volunteers 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 this 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 dollars in tax refunds processed. It’s a win-win for both the students and the community.”
| The TSC Vita site will begin offering its services from Monday, January 27, 2025 – April 15, 2025. |
| Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays:9 AM – 4 PM Tuesdays & Wednesdays:9 AM – 7 PM Saturdays:9 AM – 3 PM |
| Individuals interested in utilizing the VITA program much 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 along: |
| 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 Market Place) |
| Income documents such as Forms W-2, W-2G, and 1099 from all employers and their sources (Social Security, unemployment, pension, etc.) |
| 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) |
| All other information pertinent to income tax filing |
| Both spouses must be present to sign the required forms for Married Filing Jointly (VITA sites to not prepare Married Filing Separate returns). |
