GULFPORT, Miss. (WKRG) – Free tax preparation services are available online and in-person to filers in south Mississippi
Filers making $73,000 or less can use free IRS filing software through private providers like TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA and TaxAct. Most of the programs allow qualifying users to file both federal and state tax returns for free. The IRS has a screening tool and list of programs on its website: https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers both free tax preparation and electronic filing for a quick refund. Trained volunteers help individuals and families, with annual incomes up to $60,000, at in-person locations.
Returns are due to be filed by April 18.
VITA site locations:
| County | Operating Time | Address & Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Forrest | 10 a.m to 3 p.m. – Thursday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Saturday By Appointment, 2/2 until 4/6 | Petal Center For Seniors & Veterans 425 E Central Ave, Petal Appointments booked online |
| Forrest | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday By Appointment, 2/7 until 4/11 | Sigler Center 315 Conti St, Hattiesburg Appointments booked online |
| Forrest | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday By Appointment, 2/6 until 4/10 | University Baptist Church 3200 Arlington Lp, Hattiesburg Appointments booked online |
| Forrest | 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday No appointment needed, until 4/18 | Southern Bancorp 3002 Hardy St, Hattiesburg 769-207-5275 |
| Forrest | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday By Appointment, 2/6 until 4/14 | Pearl River Valley Opportunity 100 Front St, Hattiesburg 601-544-1394 |
| George | 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday By Appointment, until 4/18 | Community Action of S. MS 11 Holmes Street, Lucedale 601-947-5989 |
| Hancock | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday By Appointment, 2/1 until 4/18 | Waveland Public Library 345 Coleman Ave, Waveland 228-467-9240 |
| Harrison | 4:30 p.m. – Tuesday, Thursday 9 to 1 p.m. – Saturday By Appointment, until 4/18 | Community Action of S. MS 500 24th St, Gulfport 228-284-6776 |
| Harrison | By Appointment, until 4/18 | Mercy Housing 1135 Ford St, Gulfport (28-896-1945 |
| Harrison | 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday No appointment needed, until 10/15 | Boat People SOS 160 Porter Ave, Biloxi 228-436-9999 |
| Harrison | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday By Appointment, 2/1 until 4/12 | St. Martin Public Library 15004 Lemoyne Blvd, Biloxi 228-875-1193 |
| Harrison | 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday By Appointment, 2/1 until 4/12 | Margaret Sherry Library 2141 Popps Ferry Rd, Biloxi 228-388-1633 |
| Harrison | 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday By Appointment, 2/8 until 4/12 | West Biloxi Library 2047 Pass Rd, Biloxi 228-388-5696 |
| Harrison | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Thursday By Appointment, 2/2 until 4/10 | Orange Grove Public Library 12135 Old Hwy 49, Gulfport 228-832-6924 |
| Jackson | 5 to 6:30 p.m. – Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Saturday No appointment needed, until 4/18 | Community Action of S. MS 5343 Jefferson St, Moss Point (228) 769-3292 |
| Jackson | 5:15 p.m. – Monday – Friday, not Wednesday By Appointment, until 4/18 | Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 5425 Grierson St, Moss Point (228) 474-2800 |
| Jones | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Thursday By Appointment, until 4/18 | Pearl River Valley Opportunity 1222 Hillcrest Dr, Laurel 601-428-3171 |
| Jones | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday By Appointment, 2/3 until 4/14 | Laurel Public Library 530 Commerce St, Laurel 601-428-4313 |
| Jones | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday By Appointment, 2/6 until 4/14 | Pearl River Valley Opportunity 1104 W. 1st St, Laurel 601-428-3171 |
| Marion | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday – Thursday By Appointment, 2/6 until 4/14 | Pearl River Valley Opportunity 756 Hwy 98 Bypass, Columbia 601-736-9564 |
| Pearl River | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Friday No appointment needed, until 4/18 | Southern Bancorp 9 E. Lakeshore Dr, Carriere 601-799-4320 |
When coming to a VITA appointment, filers should bring:
- Proof of identification (photo ID)
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
- Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
- Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
- Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
