How to Prepare for Tax Filing
Tax filing starts in January 2025. Here's how you can prepare now:
- If you are a parent/guardian who claims your child(ren) as dependents every other year, confirm who is claiming them before filing. If both taxpayers claim a child on separate tax returns, this may create errors and tax refunds may be delayed or even disallowed.
- Confirm that you have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Make sure you have proof of income. Confirm that you employer will provide you a W-2 or that you will receive a 1099 for contractor work. Keep track of your income and expenses if you are self-employed.
Once Tax Season Starts
- File your taxes for free. Most VDSS clients qualify for free tax filing assistance.
- File your tax return electronically, if possible. Electronic filing reduces errors and helps you get your tax refund faster.
- Free tax filing assistance is available through the IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. To find a VITA site, you can use the VITA Site Locator, dial 2-1-1, or visit www.211virginia.org.
- Free tax filing assistance is also available through: GetYourRefund.org/VDSS
- This website will walk you through a four-step process:
- Answer questions about your income and household.
- Upload pictures or files for your identity, income, and other tax documents.
- Your tax preparer will review everything with you over the phone (you can choose text or phone call options). Be sure to have a reliable phone number for the review to take place.
- Your tax preparer will help you file your completed tax return electronically.
- This website will walk you through a four-step process:
Additional Help
If you need help responding to an IRS notice or audit, or you require any other tax assistance, you can:
- Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
- Visit a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).
- Contact VDSS via phone (dial 2-1-1) or email at eitc@dss.virginia.gov.
Custodial and non-custodial parents:
- Usually, custodial parents claim any qualifying children as dependents.
- Non-custodial parents may qualify for the childless EITC and tax refunds can help pay off child support debts.
Missing income proof documents?
- You can still file by filing out IRS Form 4852, "Substitute for Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement".
No permanent address or experiencing homelessness?
- You may be able to use an address from a trusted relative or friend, a shelter, or a service provider, such as a health care clinic or community action agency.
Information for employers: Effective July 1, 2009, § 40.1-28.7:3 of the Code of Virginia requires employers to post notices about the federal EITC and Virginia Credit for Low Income Individuals (CLI).
