MCC offers free tax preparation help at three locations

McHenry County College will host free tax assistance and e-filing of federal and state returns for those who qualify through April 18 with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic. Walk-in hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through April 16 and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through April 13 in Room A102 at the college, 8900 Route 14 in Crystal Lake.

Additional tax assistance clinic locations are in Harvard and Woodstock. The Harvard tax clinic will be at 401 N. Division St. in Harvard and the hours are from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. through April 18. The Woodstock tax clinic will be at the McHenry County Workforce Center, 500 Russel Court in Woodstock from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays through April 14. Bilingual assistance is available at MCC and Harvard sites.

The VITA Clinic prepares tax returns and for individuals or households with incomes less than $55,000 and Facilitated Self Assistance returns with incomes less than $60,000.

All tax forms will be provided. Participants should bring a valid photo ID for main taxpayer on tax return, Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number letters for all family members reported on the tax return, all 2015 earnings statements (W-2s) and other income/expense documents, copy of last year's tax return, if available, and bank account information for direct deposits.

Other documents to bring, if pertinent, are tuition statements and expenses (1098-T), mortgage interest statements (1098), real estate tax bill and cancellation of debt/bankruptcy.

Additional services include opening up checking and savings accounts in order to get the direct deposit refund in 10 days and helping individuals apply for their Individual Tax Identification Numbers. Trained staff will help individuals complete the FAFSA form with the completion of the tax return.

For details, call Ann Esarco at (847) 260-VITA or send an email to vita@mchenry.edu.