Selected Tax Assistance Available in Homestead

Many pleasant events and activities take place between now and the middle of April. Filing income tax is not one of those, and despite several online options now, for many individuals, personal assistance is needed. Sometimes, family or close friends can provide a no-cost solution, yet that is not always available. There are currently two programs in Homestead; one focused on lower-income earners and the other open to the general public.

Miami-Dade College (MDC) offers assistance through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The dates and locations were included in a press release from the MDC Director of Media Relations.

“The VITA program originated at the Wolfson Campus and was later extended to other campuses. Students are trained to prepare free individual income tax returns for fellow students, their families, and the general public. They are supervised by professors and experienced coordinators from MDC's Miguel B. Fernandez School of Global Business, Trade, and Transportation, who review the returns before filing them electronically with the IRS. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/vita. The free tax service is for individuals who earned $57,000 or less.”

The Homestead Campus is available for walk-ins on Saturdays, starting February 8th through March 22nd, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, in Building D, Room D307. The campus address is 500 College Terrace, Homestead. Note: They will be closed on February 15th. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.

“Original documents you will need are: Photo identification (i.e., driver's license); Social Security Card (original) or ITIN for taxpayers, spouse, and dependents; Birth Date for Primary, secondary, and dependent on the tax return; Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (1095-A); Wage and earnings statement(s) Form W2, W2G, 1099R, from all employers; 1098T - Tuition Statement; Interest and dividend statements from bank (forms 1099); A copy of last year's Federal and State return if available; Total paid for day care provider's and Identifying number; Bank routing numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit (bring voided blank check); IP PIN letter issued in January 2023; Pension withdrawal form w-9; Bank documents with mortgage interest and property tax information; and Any letter received from IRS.”

For other questions, contact Jeanelly Mairena at jmairen1@mdc.edu. Kendall Campus is by appointment, Mondays and Thursdays only, February 6th to April 10th, 9:30 am to 4 pm, Building R, Room R404 and R408. The campus address is 11011 SW 104th Street, Miami. Those coordinators are Professors Silvina Barros and Cesar De Castro. Tel: (305) 237-2375; or visit, www.mdc.edu/vita.

The second general public option is offered at the William Dickinson Community Center, 43 NE 16th St, Homestead, through the AARP Tax-Aide Program. Tuesdays, February 1st through April 15th, 2025, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm are the dates and times available. An appointment is required by calling (305) 245-4934, or visit the Community Center.

“Clients must pick up an intake form on site by the day before their appointment, or their appointment will be cancelled -- although they are free to wait to see if they can still be accommodated that day. Otherwise, they can try to make another appointment. Clients should complete intake forms before their appointments at home or while waiting in their vehicles. As usual, taxpayers must bring valid photo ID and their Social Security card (or correspondence from the Social Security Administration) for all people listed on the tax return, even dependents. Bringing your prior year tax return will help us prepare your tax return most efficiently.”

Service is available in English and Spanish. As a reminder, federal income tax returns must be mailed postmarked by Tuesday, April 15th, 2025.