Daniel Allsup
The Paw Print
Adams State University’s School of Business is teaming with Trinidad State Junior College-Valley Campus and the Piton Foundation to provide free tax services to the San Luis Valley community. The free service is designed for families whose income is less than $50,000 annually.
This will be the fourth year that ASU has offered free tax services. It is a great way for residents to make sure they get they receive all they tax credits they should, while saving the money they normally would pay to file. It also gives IRS-certified students an opportunity to get experience.
Every year around tax season, the Piton Foundation, which is located in Denver, conducts a state-wide public information campaign, trying to make sure eligible lower-income families receive their Earned-Income Tax Credit. Studies show that the Earned-Income Tax Credit encourages working and reduces poverty. The Piton Foundation does this through Tax Help Colorado, partnering with Colorado Universities and Colleges. This year, 16 colleges and universities will help families across Colorado file their taxes for free.
The ASU free tax site will be open Saturdays 9am until 5pm through April 13, and on Monday evenings from 4pm to 8pm. The tax site can be found in the lobby of the School of Business building. These hours are not valid during Spring Break, and after Spring Break, the tax site will close earlier: Saturdays at 1 m, and on Mondays an hour earlier, at 7pm. A TSJC Valley Campus free tax site will also be open from 4pm until 8 pm every Wednesday through March 13, and on Saturdays from 9am until 3pm, through March 16th. The TSJC free tax site can be found in room 216 at 1011 Main Street.
The Alamosa Senior Center is another site where you can get you taxes filed at for free, at 92 Colorado Avenue. They will be available to do your taxes Wednesdays from 10am until 2pm. The Senior Center will be processing taxes through March 27. Please call 719-589-3277 to schedule an appointment.
Large tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit are available for families with children earning less than $49,000 annually. These large tax credits can greatly reduce the tax families pay, or allow an even bigger refund. Furthermore, there are tax credits for tuition, retirement and many other options. The IRS-certified students will make sure they get you every credit you deserve.
When you go to one of the free tax sites in Alamosa, make sure you bring the correct documents so they can process your taxes quickly. You should bring last year’s tax return, Social Security numbers for all your family members, and income documents such as a W-2 and a 1099. Documents showing your expenses will also be needed; these could include mortgage and property documents, child care expenses, college expenses, and charitable donations.
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