In Person Locations - Simplify CT

PLEASE NOTE:

In-person location appointments are very limited.

Call the number listed at each location to make an appointment.

Please access our free online tax preparation services to get started now.

Choose your nearest location below for more information:

Darien Public Library

Norwalk Public Library

Fairfield Public Library

South Norwalk Public Library

Westport Drop Off / Drive Through

New Canaan Public Library

Westport Senior Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for using SimplifyCT.org's tax services?

At this time, we are able to assist people who are filing their current-year 2020 taxes as well as back taxes for the three prior years, (2019, 2018 and 2017). In addition, we can amend returns for all 4 tax years.

How much does the service cost?

The service is free for tax preparation and electronic filing. The program is funded through grants from the IRS, United Way and other organizations.

What technology will I need?

A smartphone or computer will be needed for fully virtual tax preparation. You will also need access to the internet, as well as a working phone number and email address.

What forms will I need to fill out the questionnaire?

The survey will ask you to submit pictures of all relevant tax forms and receipts for 2020 and a photo ID. Examples include:

Wage forms (W-2)
Retirement income (1099-R)
Social Security benefits (1099-SSA)
Unemployment income (1099-G)
Self-employment income (1099-NEC)
Interest and dividend income (1099-INT/DIV)
Tuition statement (1098T)
Car tax payment (from town/city)
Real estate tax payment (from town/city)
Child care payments (from provider)
Self-employed business expenses (from your records)
Access Health CT insurance (1095-A)
If you are filing with a spouse and/or dependents(s), please upload all relevant documentation for them, too.

Who will be preparing my taxes?

The tax returns will be prepared by IRS certified volunteers working within the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. These are the same talented, local volunteers who have prepared your taxes in the past. Information on this program can be found on the IRS website.

Is my information secure?

Yes! There are 2 tools used in the preparation and filing of your tax return. GetYourRefund, which was developed by Code for America, a nonprofit organization that works to make government services simple, effective and easy to use and TaxSlayer, which has been customized for use by the VITA program. Both tools follow security protocols that have been specified by the IRS.

How much time will the process take?

Please give yourself at least 30 minutes to complete the questionnaire, depending on your comfort with technology. For your appointment, the tax preparer could take up to an hour with you depending upon the complexity of the return. Typically your return will be completed within 24-48 hours after your initial appointment, depending upon the complexity of the return.

Will I get a copy of my completed return?

Yes! During the quality review process, you will receive a secure, electronic copy of the tax return for your records.

What will I need for my phone appointment?

You will need access to all of your relevant tax forms and receipts for 2020, as well as a government-issued photo ID for yourself and your spouse, and Social Security or ITIN cards for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents. If you think you’ll receive a refund, please also have your bank account information on hand to set up direct deposit for your refund

Will I qualify for any other financial benefits?

Your tax professional will ask you about your individual situation and should you qualify for additional financial programs including the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and free no-fee checking account setup, your tax pro will assist you in filing for these programs and services.

SimplifyCT.org Security Protocol

SimplifyCT.org has teamed up with Code for America to utilize it’s IRS nationally approved Get Your Refund website. We strive to implement best practices and while no data security plan is 100% fail-safe, the following Get Your Refund security protocols are in place to provide the safest environment for our clients:
● All taxpayer information provided through the website is stored in an encrypted
database protected from external networks
● The Intake Website will not permit any network connections without strong
encryption protocols
● All connections are encrypted using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates
● Use of Google recaptcha to protect against malicious bots
● Utilization of a publicly registered domain name
● Implementation of an incident response plan that includes reporting security incidents to the IRS

Still have a question? Contact us at [email protected]