FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need to file my taxes?
- Social security cards or ITINs for self, spouse, & dependents
- Photo Identification
- Copy of previous year’s tax returns (especially IA state return)
- All W-2 and 1099 forms (Interest, Dividend, Miscellaneous, retirement, SSA, State (G))
- Child care provider info (Name, address, EIN/SSN) and amounts paid
- All Health Insurance Forms (Forms 1095-A, B and/or C)
- For direct deposit: bank account and routing number
- Property tax receipts and mortgage interest statements, charitable contributions, Previous Year State refund
- Education expense receipts (Form 1098-T from college)
- Gambling Winnings (form W-2g, 1099-Misc)
- Energy Credit Certificates of Authenticity
- Both spouses must be present to sign return or in case of divorce/separation, may need spouse’s name and SSN (Alimony/Filing Separate)
I don't have all of my tax documents. Can I still file my taxes?
All tax documents are required to file an accurate return. If you do not have all of your documents, you will need to obtain the information from the IRS and the State Department of Revenue.
For Federal information, visit Order Your Tax Transcript to request transcripts online, or request them in person at the IRS building, 1616 Capitol Street, Omaha, NE 68102. An appointment will be necessary, beginning in January 2016. Call 1-844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment. If you have not filed your taxes for the tax year, you will need to request a Wage and Income Transcript. This will be a record of all of your official federal tax documents for the year requested.
The Wage and Income Transcript will only have federal information on it. In order to complete a state return, you will need to contact the State Department of Revenue for a state transcript. For Nebraska wages, you will need to request the information at the Nebraska Department of Revenue, 1313 Farnam, Omaha, NE 68102. For any other state, you will need to visit the appropriate State Department of Revenue website to determine how to request a transcript.
What other programs does the Omaha EITC Coalition offer?
Every fall, the Coalition recruits and trains volunteers to help at tax sites during tax season. Visit the Volunteer Center for more information. Free tax preparation services are available by calling 2-1-1 to locate a site. You can also view of our annual reports by visiting our Public Reports site. We also offer community financial education seminars and presentations. Call the coalition office at 402-546-1013 ext. 6210 to request a presentation.
What is the monthly time commitment for volunteers?
During tax Season, volunteers are expected to commit 12-24 hours a month. Times are typically scheduled in 3-4 hour shifts. There are day, evening, and weekend times available at multiple locations. After tax season, there are still many opportunities to volunteer in the Coalition office. Visit the Volunteer Center for more information.
Are your services really free?
We file Federal and State taxes at no charge to the customer. Though we are volunteer driven, there are still costs to operating the sites and providing quality oversight. We rely on community support, grants, and donations to be able to offer this service year round.
Donations are always appreciated. A donation of $0.50/week ($26/year) provides the funds for 1 box of paper to produce 220 free tax returns for low to middle income people. A donation of $1/week ($52 per year) provides the funds for 12 free tax returns for low to middle income people. One certified tax preparer volunteer could be trained for a donation of $2/week ($104 per year). And a donation of $3/week ($156 per year) provides the funds for 500 additional financial services, screenings and referrals to qualified professionals for low to middle income people.
What is EITC?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC or EIC), devised by Congress in 1975, has become the most effective program for lifting low-income working families with children out of poverty and toward self-sufficiency, fostering family and community stability. This refundable credit on the federal income tax return partially restores Social Security and Medicare taxes paid by low wage earners. Visit the IRS EITC Home Page to learn more.
Who is eligible for EITC?
To qualify, you must meet certain requirements, including having earned income, and file a tax return, even if you are not required to file. Both single and married people with or without children may be eligible, based on income. Visit EITC Qualification Assistant to learn more.
How do I calculate my EITC?
The IRS has a tool that will assist you in in calculating your eligibility and amount of EITC. Visit EIC Calculator.
How can I get help filling out the forms to claim EITC?
The Omaha EITC Coalition has 5 sites serving the metro community during tax season. Many sites offer year round service. Call 2-1-1 to locate a site and for specific information on hours of service.
How do I locate a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site?
In Nebraska and western Iowa, you can call 2-1-1 to reach United Way of the Midlands Call Center to locate a site near you or visit the 211 Online Center. You can also visit the IRS Free Taxes Locator to locate a site anywhere in the United States.
Do I need an appointment?
From the end of January through April 15th, tax sites are walk-in only. The Omaha EITC Coalition has 5 sites serving the metro community during tax season. Call 2-1-1 to locate a site and for specific information on hours of service. After April 15th, tax preparation services are available by appointment at the Coalition office at 3605 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107. Call 402-250-9781 or 402-546-1013 ext. 6208 to schedule an appointment.
I already filed my taxes, but I forgot to include a tax document. Now what do I do?
You will need to file an amended return to report the missing information. You should wait to file the amended return until the original return is fully processed. You will know it has been processed when you have received both your Federal and State refunds, if you are due a refund.
To file an amended return you will need to bring:
- A copy of the original return you submitted
- All tax documents
I haven’t filed taxes for a while. Can you still help me?
The Omaha EITC Coalition is able to file previous year taxes as well as current year taxes for Federal and State returns. You will need to have all of your tax documents for each year you need to file. Call 402-250-9781 or 402-546-1013 ext. 6208 to schedule an appointment at the Coalition office at 3605 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68107.
Can I deposit my refund to a debit card I already have?
To deposit your refund onto a debit card, you will need to call the customer service number on the back of the card and ask for the routing and account number for your account.
Can I split my refund into more than one bank account?
Your refund can be deposited into up to three different checking or savings accounts. Your refund can only be deposited directly into accounts that are in your own name; your spouse’s name or both if it’s a joint account. You will need to have the routing and account numbers for all accounts you would like to use.
How do I check on my refund?
You can check the status of your Federal refund by calling 1-800-829-1954 or visiting Where's My Refund?. You will need your social security number, your filing status, and refund amount expected to check the refund status.
How do I check on my amended return?
You can check the status of your Federal amended return by calling 1-800-829-1954 or visiting Where's My Amended Refund?. To check the status of your Nebraska amended return, call 800‑742‑7474.To check the status of your Iowa state refund, call 515-281-4966 or 800-572-3944 (Iowa only). For any other state, you will need to visit the appropriate State Department of Revenue website.
How do I adjust my tax withholding on my paychecks?
The amount of taxes that is withheld from your employment income is determined by the W-4 form you complete with your employer when you are hired. You may adjust your withholdings to have more or less taxes withheld by completing a new W-4 and submitting it to the Human Resources department at your employment. W-4 forms may be found by visiting www.irs.gov and searching W-4 or by contacting your Human Resources Department. You can determine proper withholding by using the IRS Withholding Calculator. Have your most recent paystub(s) available. The Omaha EITC Coalition holds workshops on understanding and adjusting the W-4. Call 402-250-9781 or 402-546-1013 ext. 6210 for more information.
