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A group of IRS-certified volunteers from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will help prepare income tax forms for qualified low-income individuals and families at no cost for those who are feeling daunted by the rigmarole of filing tax returns.

The program -- launched by the United Way of Silicon Valley in partnership with the IRS, churches and nonprofit organizations -- offers free tax help to individuals and families from Santa Clara County who make $50,000 or less. This includes seniors, students and service workers. Tax preparation services are provided by trained, IRS-certified volunteers in a number of languages including English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Russian.

As part of the program, a group of volunteers, mostly from the Stanford Law School, will help prepare tax forms at the Downtown library at 270 Forest Ave., for low-income, disabled or aged individuals (60 years and older). They will help prepare and e-file forms 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040 with Schedule A, B, limited Schedule C-EZ and California state income tax returns for the year 2012.

Visitors can drop in between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays, from Feb. 9 through April 13 to avail their services.

The following items and information are required:
• A photo ID
• Social Security cards for one's self, their spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for one's self, their spouse and dependents
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
• Birth dates for one's self, their spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099- R, from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year's federal and state returns if available
• Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check
• Total amount paid for day care provider and the day care provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)

To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

The free service is also available at one of the 53 other IRS-authorized sites located at various churches, libraries and community centers throughout the Santa Clara County.

More information on locations is available by calling 211 or visiting www.211scc.org.

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