Get Your Tax Preparation Done FREE at Official City of Miami Locations
The City of Miami looks to make this year's tax preparation season better than ever, and aims to help even more residents. A city thrives when its residents thrive. As tax time approaches, the City of Miami strongly believes in reminding all working families of the FREE services it provides for residents who need assistance with tax preparation. Also, all residents should be aware of the opportunity they have to save a portion (or all) of their refund for the future. We hope you will take advantage of one of the FREE tax preparation offers detailed here!
What is the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit is a tax benefit for low to moderate income working families, as well as a small benefit for childless workers with very low wages. It was created to help those people who work full-time but still struggle to make ends meet. Workers who do not owe taxes can also get cash back from the EITC program by filing federal income tax returns. Please speak to a certified tax preparer at one of the FREE locations noted here to see if you are eligible.
Tax Preparation Assistance - City of Miami Super Sites
Each year the City of Miami partners with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offer FREE tax preparation at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) super sites. These locations offer FREE tax preparation services with convenient hours for all City residents. Super sites are staffed by volunteer tax preparers who have been trained to answer questions and prepare residents returns. These sites are open from late January through mid-April each year on weeknights and Saturdays. Additional FREE tax preparation sites near you are open on weekdays and on Saturdays.* If you have any questions regarding the City's free tax sites, please call 311.
*Days and times subject to change. Call 311 for more locations and times.
What do you need to bring to a tax preparation session?
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Valid picture identification card
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Last year's tax return
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W-2 and/or 1099 forms for you, your spouse and children
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Social Security Numbers or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) cards for you, your spouse and children
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Child care provider name and tax I.D. number, if applicable
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Bank account number and routing number, if you want direct deposit of your refund check
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Education Credit forms, if applicable (1098T and 1098E)
The Benefit Bank (TBB)
The City of Miami will offer another FREE tax assistance option at all 13 Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) offices throughout the City, known as The Benefit Bank (TBB). TBB is an internet-based service for low and moderate-income working families and individuals that can help increase their incomes dramatically. By entering basic information, a user can have their taxes completed, and use the same program to apply and determine eligibility while being screened for other state/federal benefits he/she might qualify for, including:
TBB is also offered at select faith-based and community-based organizations. Call 311 for a location near you.
How does The Benefit Bank work?
Individuals (clients) sit side by side with counselors who assist them with entering vital information into an internet-based system. Once the client provides all the necessary information, TBB completes the tax return or other benefit application and submits electronic applications, or prints out paper applications. TBB remembers all the client information, so it does not need to be reentered. On average, a TBB tax preparation session takes only 40 minutes, so feel free to call the NET office nearest you to schedule a tax assistance preparation appointment.
Can immigrants claim the EITC?
Yes, legal immigrants who have a Social Security Number which allows them to work in the U.S. can claim the credit if they meet all the eligibility requirements. Immigrant workers must establish legal residency in the U.S. and live here for the entire tax year in order to qualify. To be considered, qualifying children must have lived in the U.S. with the taxpayer for at least six months of the current tax year.
More Locations
Super Sites
Miami Riverside Center
444 SW 2 Avenue, 1st Floor
Miami, Florida 33130
Phone: 311
Hours of Operation: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays,9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Corpus Christi Church Community Center
730 NW 34th Street
Miami, Florida 33127
Phone: 305-635-1335
Hours of Operation: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
