Other Tax Questions
1. Where can I get help with my taxes?
Legal Aid and other VITA sites throughout the state can help you with your taxes free of charge if your income is less than $49,000. Both your federal and state returns will be prepared and electronically filed so that you get your refund quickly. Go to www.eitc-carolinas.org to search for the site nearest you. You may also call 888-927-3230 to find a free preparation site near you.
What to bring with you:
Valid photo ID
All W-2's and 1099s (if any)
Social Security Cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for all family members
Copy of last year's tax return, if available
Routing Number Bank and Account Number (if you want direct deposit)
— Back —
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. How do I electronically file my tax forms with the IRS?
E-filing can help you get your refund faster. If you have an email address, you can e-file your return through one of the tools under the Resource tab. The Beehive site will allow you to e-file both your federal and state returns. The I-CAN!EIC tool will allow you to e-file your federal return but not your North Carolina return.
If you do not have an email address, you may create one at www.yahoo.com or www.google.com.
Keep a printed copy of your e-filed returns for your records.
— Back —
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. If I don't have an e-mail address how do I file my tax forms?
You may use the IRS FreeFile tool to e-file your federal return directly with the IRS if your income is less than $56,000. The software uses simple questions and puts your information into the right forms.
You may also use the FreeFile Fillable forms to complete your return. There is no income limit for using the fillable forms but you will need to know how to complete the tax forms.
To file your North Carolina return, go to the North Carolina tool on the Resource Tab. Print your return and mail it to the refund address or payment address depending on whether you are receiving a refund. Mail your tax return to the IRS at the address that appears on the cover sheet of your printed tax forms. Make sure that you sign the forms and put correct postage on the envelope before mailing.
No matter how you file, always keep a copy of your tax return for your records.
— Back —
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. What should I know about if I have to go to a paid preparer?
If you are not eligible for free tax preparation services and you do not want to file your own taxes, you may need to go to a paid preparer. Be a wise consumer and choose only those services that you need.
Be careful of tax preparers who offer “Refund Anticipation Loans.” These loans will cost you high fees that reduce the amount of your refund that you actually receive.
Go to the "Learn More" section to learn more about tax refund loans.
— Back —
Disclaimer
The materials contained on this website
are for information and educational purposes only and do not
constitute legal advice.
Also please note that Legal Aid of North Carolina does not
provide legal assistance by E-mail. Contact your Legal Aid of
North Carolina office or a private attorney if you need to speak
to an attorney regarding your particular situation.
See our
complete disclaimer.
Mission Statement
Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that
provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in
order to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers
to economic opportunity.