VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, an initiative of Life Transforming Ministries (LTM), is offering free tax preparation by volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The service is available now through Thursday, April 15.

VITA offices are located in West Grove, Coatesville, Downingtown, West Chester, Exton, Pottstown, Phoenixville and Royersford.

Because of the pandemic, the free service is being offered in a drop-off format. "We are not having (taxpayers) sit and wait until we do their returns. (Previously), they would be (at a site) for about 45 to 50 minutes and leave with their tax return done," noted Donna Laird, LTM VITA administration support. "(This year), you walk in during the times (the sites) are open."

Once at the location, taxpayers will take part in a self-preparation process, filling out forms and placing them in an envelope. "One of our preparers will check the envelope, scan the documents and give all the originals back, and (taxpayers) will come back to sign once (their tax return) is prepared."

VITA is geared toward low- and moderate-income families, but anyone may have their taxes prepared for free. VITA volunteers ensure that families are educated on frequently missed credits they may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. These credits and deductions may reduce a taxpayer's liabilities and increase his or her refund.

"Most of our people come to us and walk out with thousands of dollars in refunds. We really check that they get the credits they deserve," said Laird. "We treat them with respect, and they feel it. They know we care about them."

LTM, based in Coatesville, has partnered with the IRS to operate sites in Chester County since 2004. Locations for 2021 include The Transformation Center, 643-645 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville; Family Services, 1976 E. High St., Pottstown; and the Garage Community Center, 122 Rosehill Ave., West Grove. Additional locations and hours of operation can be found at http://www.chestercountyfreetaxes.org.

Taxpayers are also encouraged to visit http://www.chestercountyfreetaxes.org/intake-forms prior to visiting a VITA location to learn what forms they need to bring. For more information, readers may call the VITA office at 610-380-9099, email dlaird@quietrevolution.org or search for "LTM VITA" on Facebook.