ALAMOSA – For the ninth year, the Adams State University School of Business is partnering with the Denver-based Piton Foundation to help hard-working families become more financially secure by providing free tax preparation assistance through the Tax Help Colorado program. Beginning January 27, IRS-certified Adams State students will prepare and file tax returns free of charge for individuals with household incomes of less than about $54,000 a year.

In addition to getting their taxes done for free, taxpayers may be eligible for valuable, refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit. Tax preparers are trained to ensure the families they serve get the best refund possible. The program also helps Adams State students develop customer service skills, achieve practical, hands-on experience, serve their community and earn college credits.

“Adams State's partnership with the Piton Foundation benefits community members and provides valuable experience for our IRS-certified accounting students,” said President Beverlee J. McClure. “We are proud to provide this service and help people receive the best refund possible which in turn helps our local economy.”

This free service is quick and confidential.

From January 27 through March 12, Adams State’s free tax site is open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. every Saturday; and from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. every Monday, in the Business School lobby, Third St. and Richardson Ave. This site will also be open from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Mondays from March 26 through April 2.

Tax Help Colorado operates 24 free tax sites statewide; last year, they provided free tax assistance to over 8,750 individuals, helping them claim nearly $14 million in tax refunds, including nearly $5 million from the EITC.  In addition, the program saved families more than $2.2 million in commercial tax preparation fees.

People who are getting their taxes prepared at Adams State should bring the following documents:
Identification

• Social Security Cards (or ITINs) for all family members. Photo I.D. for taxpayer(s) are required.
  Income
• All W-2s, 1099s and any other income-related documents. A copy of last year’s tax return, if available.

Bank Account Information

• Checking and savings account numbers and bank routing number to direct deposit your refund. Get your refund faster with direct deposit.
  Childcare Expenses
• Total paid to daycare provider and the provider’s tax ID for the Child & Dependent Care Credit.
  Other Deductible Expenses
• Proof of mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable donations and tax-deductible expenses.
• For college expenses: In addition to Form 1098T from your college, bring records of expenses paid for tuition, books, fees and supplies.
• If eligible for Colo. Rent-Heat Rebate: 2017 rent receipts and heating bills.

Health Insurance Coverage (through one of the following):

• Connect for Health Colorado - Form 1095-A
• Health First Colorado - Form 1095-B
• Employer Coverage - Form 1095-C or Form 1095-B
• If you didn’t have health coverage in 2017, visit healthcare.gov to find out if you qualify for an exemption.

A list of all the Tax Help Colorado sites, as well as the locations of other free tax assistance sites in Colorado, is available by dialing 2-1-1 (it’s a free call), visiting TaxHelpCO.org. You can also follor Tax Help Colorado on Facebook (www.facebook.com/taxhelpcolorado) and Twitter (@TaxHelpCo).

About The Piton Foundation at Gary Community Investments

The Piton Foundation, which is part of Gary Community Investments, is a private foundation established in 1976 by Denver oilman Sam Gary. It is committed to improving the lives of Colorado’s low-income children and their families by increasing access to quality early childhood and youth development opportunities and fostering healthy family and community environments. In addition to investing in creative solutions for Colorado’s low-income children and their families, Piton operates its own programs, including the Shift Research Lab, Tax Help Colorado, and the nation’s largest and longest-running Earned Income Tax Credit Public Information Campaign.