Free tax help available at HRDC March 6

The District 4 Human Resources Development Council will be assisting local taxpayers prepare documents and file again this year, with the help of Rural Dynamics and Great Falls-based non-profit Tax Help Montana, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HRDC District 4 Executive Director Carilla French said the service, which is free for any taxpayer making $64,000 a year or less and everyone 60 or older regardless of income level, is vital to the community and their mission of helping low-income individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency.

“We’re very excited to hold it again,” French said.

She said many people don’t have the money to hire someone to handle their taxes, so they want to help them connect with organizations like Rural Dynamics and Tax Help Montana.

“It’s important that we support the partners that support the same community that we do,” she said.

HRDC has been holding the event for a few years now, and it has always gotten a big turnout, until one they held in February of this year, which only got one person.

French said she doesn’t know why this February’s session got such a small turnout compared to years past, but she’s afraid if that happens again they may not be able to have it next year, despite how important the service is to the community.

A press release from HRDC asked people to bring their last year’s return, this year’s W-2 and 1099 forms along with a picture ID. Married couples filing together must both be present with IDs as well.

Social Security cards should also be brought for all family members along with the child care provider’s tax ID number, the press release said, along with records of any charitable donations.

Those who want to use direct deposit for their return should bring relevant banking information and people insured through Montana Marketplace should also bring their 1095-A form.

French said everyone’s financial situation is different, so sometimes other documents are required, and if people want to make sure they are bringing all the paperwork they need, they should contact Rural Dynamics, which should be able to help.

The release says those who can’t make the date can file simple tax returns for free at myfreetaxes.com or go to their weekly events in Great Falls.

Anyone going to the March 6 event is asked to check in at HRDC’s front desk before making use of the service.