Free Tax Preparation
We are proud to partner with CodeForAmerica’s Get Your Refund IRS-approved program to be able to assist our neighbors and provide safe, secure, and completely free tax preparation.
To meet the need for no-cost tax preparation for low- and middle-income families in Connecticut while being sensitive to the pandemic, SimplifyCT.org is pleased to offer two different ways to get your taxes done this year:
fully virtual or in-person meetings.
● From the safety and security of your home, begin by clicking the link below
● Fill out the secure online form and upload your documents to the IRS approved secure database via Get Your Refund
● Choose an appointment time
● A certified IRS tax preparer from SimplifyCT.org will contact you to ask you follow up questions and review any documents you’ve submitted or might still need
● Your taxes are prepared, usually within 24-48 hours
● A certified IRS tax preparer will contact you to review your tax return and provide an electronic copy of your tax return
● You receive your refund and any other benefits for which you may qualify
● Find your nearest location from the links below
● Register to make an appointment at your preferred location
● A certified IRS tax preparer will contact you to perform an at home interview with you in advance of your appointment
● Bring your tax documents / papers with you to your appointment
● A certified IRS tax preparer from SimplifyCT.org will meet with you in a COVID-19 safe, socially distanced setting for a maximum of 15 – 20 minutes to electronically scan your paperwork and answer your questions
● Your tax professional will make a follow up appointment with you
● Your taxes are prepared
● A certified IRS tax preparer will contact you to review your tax return and provide an electronic copy of your tax return
● You receive your refund and any other benefits for which you may qualify
Please note all the virtual VITA certified IRS tax preparers will be following the approved guidance on mask wearing and social distancing per the Connecticut State Department of Health’s guidance.
To get started, download our handy checklist and then choose the location nearest to you from the list below.
If you’d like to meet a VITA tax professional in person, please choose your nearest location below for more information:
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?
Will I get a copy of my completed return?
What will I need for my phone appointment?
Will I qualify for any other financial benefits?
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]