Free Tax Preparation

Free Tax PrepAration

Free tax prep services for qualifying individuals and households with incomes of up to $60,000

is your household income about $64,000?

You may qualify to have your tax return prepared and e-filed for free by IRS-certified volunteers. At The River Center, our IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program runs from the end of January to mid-April each year.
CLINIC HOURS:
Saturdays 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, traditional sit-down/same-day appointments
Wednesdays 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Valet VITA (intake/interview required at 1st appointment, pick up/sign return on 2nd appointment one week later)

SAVE THE DATE:
January 15, 2024 - We will start taking calls for appointments
January 27, 2024 - Tax clinic opens
April 15, 2024 - Tax clinic closes

HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY?

What we can prepare (in scope)

Following is a general list of what qualifies for our free tax preparation program. Please note that an appointment is not a guarantee that your return is in scope. If you are not sure, please call us at (603) 924-6800 or email taxes@rivercenter.us

Wages, salaries, etc. (Form W-2)
Interest Income (Form 1099-INT)
Dividends Received (Form 1099-DIV)
State Tax Refunds (Form 1099-G)
Unemployment Benefits (Form 1099-G)
IRA Distributions (Form 1099-R)
Pension Income (Forms 1099-R, RRB-1099, CSA-1099)
Social Security Benefits (Form SSA-1099)
Simple Capital Gain/Loss (Form 1099-B)
Self-employed Income (Form 1099-MISC) limited
Gambling Winnings (Form W-2G)
Health Savings Accounts (Form 1099-SA) limited
Itemized Deductions limited
Education Credits (Form 1098-T)
Child Tax Credit
Earned Income Credit
ACA Statements (Forms 1095-A, B or C)

What we cannot prepare (out of scope)

We are not able to do your taxes if you have:

income from driving a cab, rental income
any tax filing requirements involving cryptocurrency
self-employment if from a hobby, farm/agriculture
filed bankruptcy in the tax year you wish to file
There are also other, less common situations that are out of our scope that we cannot list simply. Please contact us if you have any questions about this information.

WHAT TO BRING:

INDIVIDUALS/HOUSEHOLDS: LIST OF DOCUMENTS

As is the case every year, we must have certain documents in order to prepare your tax return. Any mistake could result in holding up your return and causing a delay of weeks if not months, of your refund by the IRS!

Photo ID (+ spouse) - absolutely required!
SSN (original/copy) for everyone on your tax return. If you have lost or misplaced your card and don't have any of the documents listed below, , as a NH resident you must go to the Social Security field office closest to you to apply for a replacement. We accept the following forms of proof:
- Social Security Card
- Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
- Social Security income statement (or any document issued from the Social Security Administration)
Bank routing/account #s for direct deposit
All 2021 W-2, 1099 tax forms
*1098-T (if applicable)
*Year-end childcare expenses statement (if applicable)
*Self-employment income and expenses - totaled & categorized (if applicable) - see the drop-down for a form for Self-Employed filers.
*All relevant tax forms (ex. 1095A for Marketplace Health Insurance, any Forms 1099, 1098E, HSA Forms 54980S, 1099-SA etc)
*Last year's tax return (if available)
For a more comprehensive list of what to bring, go here: IRS Pub 3676-A

IMPORTANT: DO NOT EMAIL PERSONAL IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS OR TAX DOCUMENTS TO US. WE WILL DELETE EMAILS WITH SUCH ATTACHMENTS AND REQUIRE YOU TO DROP IT OFF OR CREATE A CUSTOMER PORTAL ACCOUNT. PLEASE KEEP YOUR INFORMATION SECURE!

SELF-EMPLOYED: List of Documents

Bring all of the same applicable and required documents in the INDIVIDUALS/HOUSEHOLDS list, but also complete this:

Self-Employment Tax Organizer (SETO)

**You do not need to bring any receipts or bank statements because you will provide your income and expenses on the SETO form. You do need to keep them as documentation (receipts, etc) in case the IRS contacts you to verify your self-employment income and expenses.

other options for tax preparation

NH Tax Help
AARP Locator:
Free File Options:
- MyFreeTaxes (income limits may apply)
- IRS Free File (various providers)
- GetYourRefund - 100% virtual
VITA/TCE Site Locator
Find a CPA - New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants

Frequently asked questions

i still have to file for 2020, 2019, 20XX. Will you prepare those returns too?

Yes, we can prepare those returns for you as well. However, we may only have time at your appointment for your 2021 tax return so we may ask you to come back at a quieter time in the season.

Can i bring my son/daughter/other relative to have their return prepared too?

Yes! They will also need to have their own appointment, have their documents and identification as you and be present in order for us to prepare their return.

I can't find my social security card. do i need to bring it?

Yes, all taxpayers are required by the IRS to show their social security cards (or copies) to prevent identity theft. Alternatively, you can provide Form SSA-1099 from the Social Security Administration.

Can I sign the return for my spouse?

Generally, no. Your spouse must sign the return and e-file authorization form themselves. If they are incapacitated

Contact form submissions are responded to on M-Th. If you have a more urgent request, please call us at (603) 924-6800 or email info@rivercenternh.org directly. If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911.

tax clinic schedule

January 25, 2023 - April 15, 2023

Wednesdays, 12:45 pm - 6:45 pm
Saturdays, 8:15 am - 2:15 pm