The Dallas County Family Resource Center (DCFRC) began offering free tax preparation Tuesday through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

The program, which utilizes volunteer tax preparers certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and provides free, basic income tax preparation, is open to people with an annual income of $55,000 or less, according to a press release from the DCFRC.

Tax preparers have been certified in both “basic and advanced preparation,” which includes analyzing income from wages, interest and dividend income, itemized deductions, earned income tax credits, child tax credits, educational tax credits, Social Security benefits and other retirement income for families and individuals

Returns will be prepared by appointment Tuesday through Thursday and some Saturdays.

The press release stated that it decided to offer the program because it “saw a great need in Selma for free, non-predatory income tax preparation.”

“We see low to moderate income individuals paying several hundred dollars to have their taxes prepared,” the press release stated. “But far worse are the exorbitant fees charged for a Refund Anticipation Loan.”

The DCFRC will file returns electronically and clients can expect to receive their refunds within 10 to 14 days.

The release noted that, because the program was initiated late in the year, the DCFRC was unable to acquire any funding to support the effort. While the tax preparers will be working for free, there will be other costs associated with the service so any donations are appreciated.

People looking to take advantage of this program will need to provide the following documents:

• Photo identification

• Social Security card for the filer, spouse and dependents

• All wage and tax statements

• Interest and dividend statements

• Any additional tax documents received

• A copy of last year’s return

To schedule an appointment, contact the DCFRC at 334-874-7785.