This tax season, Trinidad State College is partnering with the Denver-based Piton Foundation to help hard-working families become more financially secure by providing free tax preparation assistance through the Tax Help Colorado program. Beginning January 28, IRS-certified Trinidad State students will prepare and e-file tax returns free of charge for individuals with household incomes of less than about $52,000 a year.
Tax Help Colorado has a presence on 18 college campuses and operates 29 free tax sites statewide. More than 30 percent of Colorado families are eligible to participate in the program, which was created to help alleviate the financial burden of tax preparation on families that are striving to achieve financial stability.
Many of the families that qualify for free tax help are also eligible for valuable tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, and the preparers at Trinidad State’s site specialize in ensuring that taxpayers receive the refunds they deserve. One of the nation’s most successful anti-poverty tools, the EITC helps struggling families make ends meet. Last year more than $700,000 in refunds came back to Colorado taxpayers thanks to Trinidad State volunteers.
In 2014, Tax Help Colorado helped nearly 10,400 taxpayers receive more than $20.5 million in tax refunds, including nearly 7.8 million from the Earned Income Tax Credit. In addition, the program saved lower-income taxpayers nearly $2 million in commercial tax preparation fees.
This free service, which is quick and confidential, will be offered at Trinidad State College, 600 Prospect Street, Freudenthal Library, Main Floor on the following dates: February 7 – March 5, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays 5 to 7 p.m. from February 7 through March 5. The tax service will also be offered at the Trinidad State Valley Campus in Alamosa every Wednesday from January 28 through March 25, with the exception of March 18, at 1011 Main Street, Room 212, from 4 to 8 p.m. In addition, taxes will be prepared at the Valley Campus location on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
People who are getting their taxes prepared at Trinidad State should bring the following documents:
- All W-2, 1099s and other income-related documents.
- Proof of mortgage interest, property taxes, daycare payments, college education expenses, charitable contributions, and all other tax-deductible expenses.
- For college expenses: In addition to Form 1098T from your college, you must bring your own records of expenses paid for tuition, books, fees and supplies.
- Social Security cards (or ITINs) for all family members. Photo I.D. for taxpayer required.
- A copy of last year’s tax returns, if available.
- Form 1095-A if you or any member of your household got tax credits to pay for health insurance.
- Bank account number and routing number to direct deposit the refund. With direct deposit, refunds are received in 10 to 14 days.
A list of all the Tax Help Colorado sites, as well as the locations of other free tax assistance sites in Colorado, is available by dialing 2-1-1 (it’s a free call), visiting http://www.piton.org/tax-help-colorado, or finding Tax Help Colorado on Facebook (www.facebook.com/taxhelpcolorado) and Twitter (@TaxHelpCo).
About Trinidad State
Trinidad State was Colorado’s first community college, established in 1925. Since
1994 Trinidad State has operated a campus in downtown Alamosa.
About The Piton Foundation
The Piton Foundation, which is part of Gary Community Investments, is a private, operating
foundation established in 1976 by Denver oilman Sam Gary. We are committed to improving
the lives of Colorado's low-income children and their families by increasing access
to quality early childhood and youth development opportunities and fostering healthy
family and community environments.