Bursar Office

Tax Filing Information

IRS Free File is a free online software program available on IRS.gov that taxpayers can use to prepare and file federal individual income tax returns for free using tax-preparation-and-filing software.

IRS Free File has two options: 1) Free File Software, and 2) Free File Fillable Forms. Use Free File Software if your income is $72,000 or less and Free File Fillable Forms if your income is greater than $72,000.

Please note that nonresident aliens for tax purposes cannot use IRS Free File Software or Free File Fillable Forms. Please go to the International Center’s Tax website for information about how to file a federal individual income tax return as a nonresident alien for tax purposes.

Free File Software (Income $72,000 and below):

Free File features brand-name tax software providers who are in a partnership with the IRS to offer their online products for free. Each provider sets additional eligibility requirements, generally based on age, state residency and income.

Here’s how Free File works:

  1. Go to https://irs.gov/freefile to see all Free File options.
  2. Browse each of the offers or use a “look up” tool to help you find the right product. Each Free File partner sets its own eligibility standards generally based on income, age and state residency. But if your adjusted gross income was $72,000 or less, you will find at least one free product to use.
  3. Select a provider and follow the links to their web page to begin your tax return.
  4. Complete and e-File your tax return only if you have all the income and deduction records you need. The fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. If you owe, use direct pay or electronic options.

Free File Fillable Forms (Income above $72,000):

If your income is more than $72,000, you can use Free File Fillable Forms, a free forms-based tool enabling you to select your income tax forms, enter your tax information, print and e-file your federal income tax return. Free File Fillable Forms is best for those taxpayers experienced in preparing returns by hand and with limited assistance. If you’re not comfortable completing a paper return by hand, without software to guide you, you should consider another method of filing your income tax return. To access Free File Fillable Forms, please go to the IRS’s Fillable Forms website.

Please note UT Dallas and the IRS do not endorse any individual Free File company or retain any taxpayer information entered on the Free File site. UT Dallas cannot provide individual tax filing advice, and recommends consulting with a tax professional for specific tax questions and assistance.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $58,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own income tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

Although all physical VITA sites are closed until further notice, the 2020 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program continues to be offered through two alternative ways: Virtual VITA and VITA2Go.

Virtual VITA is best for individuals who have access to a computer. You upload all tax documents into a secure server and certified VITA tax preparers will complete your tax return.

VITA2Go drive-thru drop off option will be available at select locations. This option is best for individuals who do not have access to a computer to upload their own documents. You bring your tax documents along with your pictured ID and social security card to a VITA2Go location, where they will be uploaded to a secure server and your tax return will be prepared virtually by certified VITA tax preparers. It is designed to keep contact at a minimum to ensure the safety of VITA staff and tax clients.

In each instance, you will be scheduled and receive a video call to quality review your tax return before you can sign the consent to e-file your return.

UT Dallas is not sponsoring this service. All questions specifically regarding the VITA program or the tax preparation services provided should be directed to 214-370-9353 or visit the Foundation Communities’ website.

What to Bring

The following items are needed in order for VITA volunteers to prepare your tax return. Please take a moment to browse through the list and make sure that you gather all the necessary paperwork before you come. This is a general list; so if you have any other paperwork that you think is pertinent, please bring them with you to the VITA center.

Required items:

Items listed in bold are required.

  • Completed NRA Client Intake Form or US/Resident Client Intake Form. You must bring a completed Client Intake Form. This form is essential to the preparation of your tax return and you must bring it to your appointment.
  • Valid photo identification (i.e., Passport, Driver’s License, State ID or Military ID)
  • Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letters for everyone on the tax return
  • UTD Comet card
  • Birth dates for everyone to be included on the tax return
  • Nonresident Aliens must bring proof of foreign status (e.g., U.S. visas, Form I-94, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, Form I-797, Employment Authorization Document).
  • All tax documents received. Below are some common tax forms you may receive:
    • Wage and Tax Statement (Form W-2, Form W-2c) from all employers
    • Foreign Person’s U.S. Source Income Subject to Withholding (Form 1042-S)
    • Form 1099 series: Interest Income (1099-INT), Miscellaneous Income (1099-MISC), Dividends and Distribution (1099-DIV), Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange (1099-B), Certain Government Payment (1099-G), Distributions From Retirement Plans (1099-R), Cancellation of Debt 1099-C)
    • Form 1098 series: Tuition Statement (1098-T), Student Loan Interest Statement (1098-E), Mortgage Interest Statement (1098)
    • Health Coverage Statements: Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (Form 1095-A), Health Coverage (Form 1095-B), Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage (Form 1095-C)
    • Certain Gambling Winnings (Form W-2G)
  • Personal Records, if applicable:
    • Child and dependent care expenses
    • Education expenses
    • Medical expenses
    • Charitable contributions
    • Retirement contributions
  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check

Nice to have items:

  • A copy of last year’s Federal and State tax returns, if available
  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
  • Records to substantiate any other items that you wish to include on your tax return

Additional Resources:

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