MONMOUTH, Ill. — Try as we might to avoid it, there are still two certainties in life – death and taxes. Fortunately, innovations like e-filing are making the tax process a little more bearable, and so is a program at Monmouth College – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

Through April 12, MC student volunteers will be available on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. in Room 308 of the college’s McMichael Academic Hall (one building east of the main academic building, Wallace Hall) and on Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. in the Warren County Library. The Thursday time is new this year.

Both tax preparation and e-filing are provided free of charge. Taxpayers who wish to take advantage of this program should be aware of the types of forms the VITA program is able to prepare and file: 1040EZ and 1040A (and accompanying schedules); 1040; Schedules A, B, C-EZ (for miscellaneous income only), D (but not complicated broker transactions), SE (for miscellaneous income only), EIC (earned income credit); 8812 (additional child tax credit); 8863 (education credits); 8880 (retirement savings credit); 2441 (dependent care); and the Illinois state IL-1040.

Taxpayers should bring the following information with them:

• Social security cards for each person listed on the return (includes taxpayer, spouse and all dependents). This is required by the program. The volunteers can prepare, but cannot e-file a return without all of the actual cards on hand.
   
• All documentation on income such as W-2s and 1099s.
   
• Last year’s return. This is helpful if the taxpayer itemized last year and now has a refund to be added back to income.
   
• Voided check if the taxpayer wishes direct deposit of the refund. This is also a must.
   
• All information related to deductions such as medical, real estate taxes, mortgage interest and charitable expenditures if the taxpayer wishes to itemize.
   
• Any federal and state packets received in the mail.
   
• If the taxpayer is going to e-file a joint return, both spouses must be present.