UTRGV students and staff with an income below $66,000 can file their tax returns for free using the MyFreeTaxes software.
MyFreeTaxes is an online self-preparation software accessible from cellphones, personal computers and U Central sites, according to a news release from United Way of Southern Cameron County. It is sponsored by United Way and powered by H&R Block.
Jose Chavez, a financial aid officer, said the service is available to the public.
The service can also be used by anyone who earns more than $66,000, but with a $50 fee, according to Hector Cardoza, a MyFreeTaxes tax coordinator.
MyFreeTaxes has been providing services at the university for four years. Stations are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and located in U Central on both campuses. The stations will be open until March 8.
The tax return form takes about 30 minutes to complete and the process begins with creating an account.
Documents needed when completing the tax return, according to the news release, are
–a valid picture ID
–a copy of last year’s tax return
–original Social Security cards, Social Security number verification letters or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number letters for you, your spouse and any children born before Jan. 1, 2018
–income documents, such as W-2 forms, from all jobs worked, all 1099 forms showing other income received, gambling winnings, prizes, awards and scholarships, and total income of anyone you plan to claim as a dependent
–account number and bank routing number for direct deposit
–health insurance documents, such as 1095-A, B and/or C forms
–expense documents, such as college tuition statements, student loan interest statements and child care expenses, including provider’s address and federal tax ID number.
After completing the form, and if it is accepted by the IRS, it takes about 14 to 21 days to receive tax refunds.
Chavez said the service is beneficial for students and staff because they give guidance to be able to apply for their income tax refund as soon as possible and the service is free.
“Don’t go with someone who’s going to charge you a huge amount of money,” he said. “We have it here for free.”
Chavez also said the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, offices can help people who do not have a Social Security Number.
The Brownsville VITA office is located in the Texas Southmost College International, Technology, Education and Commerce Center, located at 301 Mexico Blvd.
Political science junior Alejandra Ramirez said it was her first time using MyFreeTaxes, and the process was easy.
“Although it may be, like, a little intimidating, it’s super easy,” Ramirez said. “I want to have, like, my fellow … classmates to come over and do it because, again, it’s free.”
Ernesto Farias, a UTRGV graduate, has been using the service for three years and said it is convenient that the stations are in the university. Farias also said students should take advantage of the service.
“It’s very easy,” he said. “It’s … very, like, straightforward but of course, like, there’s some questions that you’re always like, ‘Oh, I don’t know what this word means.’ Sometimes having someone next to you, helping you, it’s very beneficial.”
Ramirez and Farias said they would use the service again in the future.
MyFreeTaxes has a helpline for those who have trouble while completing the form. For help, call (855) 698-9435 or visit the MyFreeTaxes stations in the university.
“Don’t be discouraged to file your taxes through MyFreeTaxes,” Cardoza said. “It’s simple, it’s fast and it’s very convenient.”
