It’s tax season!
If you are a little nervous or unfamiliar about filing your taxes there are several upcoming events and programs which could answer those questions and calm those nerves.
For a full list of assistance programs visit the IRS provider database.
  • Community Partnership of the Ozarks: CPO is providing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). IRS-certified volunteers prepare free basic federal and state tax returns with electronic filing. The program is generally for those with low-to-moderate income and for people with disabilities. VITA clinics will operate Feb. 1-April 14 by appointment.
  • CPO is also holding a Tax-A-Palooza event Feb. 15 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Springfield Dream Center at 829 W. Atlantic St.
  • Drury University: Drury accounting students will be providing free income tax preparation assistance every Monday and Thursday Feb. 3- March 6 at 4-8 p.m. The clinics are held at the O’Reilly Enterprise Center. Walk-ins welcome.  Get there early, the location will call it’s last client on each date one hour before closing.

>>>>Those attending any VITA event should bring photo ID and Social Security cards for themselves and dependents and any tax documentation received, including all W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and statements issued by brokerage firms. Bringing copies of 2023 state and federal returns may help speed up the process.   VITA programs are unable to help taxpayers who have declared bankruptcy or incurred insolvency during the tax year, have rental property, have a self-owned business with investors, depreciable property, or an overall loss for the year, and certain situations in which a taxpayer has received debt forgiveness.

Customers can also reach the DOR’s Taxation Division at 573-751-3505 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The DOR website includes personal tax frequently asked questions and offers DORA, a virtual assistant able to respond to common taxation, motor vehicle and driver licensing questions.