It’s tax season. Here’s where in Bradenton you can get free help to prepare your taxes

Manatee County residents have until April 15 to file their federal income taxes. Luckily, free help is available at nearly a dozen area locations.

Each service requires a photo ID from the person filing, along with a social security card for everyone on the return. They also require last year’s tax return and all W-2 wage and tax statements, all 1099 income statements and all 1098 forms showing mortgage interest, student loan interest or higher education expenses paid.

When applicable, the services also recommend bringing 1095-A forms for insurance purchased through the marketplace, and the information of any child care providers, including their name, address, employer ID and social security number, along with the amount paid for their services.

Residents should also provide the number for a checking or savings account if they want a direct-deposit refund.

For a detailed list of documents needed for income, payments, deductions, health insurance and tax credits, visit aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide and click on “Documents to Bring.”

VITA offers help with tax filings

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, commonly referred to as VITA, is offering free tax services through April 11, with locations in Bradenton and Sarasota.

Step Up Suncoast offers the program to both families and individuals.

“IRS trained and certified volunteers are available to assist residents whose family income is less than $66,000 with tax preparation,” the organization said on its website.

The dates and times vary by location:

• Step Up Suncoast, 6428 Parkland Drive, Sarasota. Walk-ins available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 7 p.m., and by appointment on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Appointments should be made two weeks in advance, by calling 941-300-2256 or visiting

  stepupsuncoast.org/programs/vita-tax-prep.

• 13th Avenue Dream Center, 922 24th St. E., Bradenton. Services available by appointment on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Appointments should be made two weeks in advance, by calling 941-300-2256 or visiting

  stepupsuncoast.org/programs/vita-tax-prep.

• Bayside Community Church, 15800 State Road 64, Bradenton. Available every Tuesday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. To make an appointment online, visit

  events.mybayside.church/event/free-tax-prep.

• Bradenton Dream Center, 1816 Ninth St. W., Bradenton. Starting on Jan. 30, the service is available on alternate Thursdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. To make an appointment online,

  visit

  events.mybayside.church/event/free-tax-prep.

  
  
  

To submit questions about the program or to file taxes online, call 941-300-2256 or visit stepupsuncoast.org/programs/vita-tax-prep.

AARP

The AARP Foundation is offering free tax preparation to residents with low or moderate incomes.

Priority is given to residents 50 and older, and the services are offered regardless of whether someone is an AARP member. To search for locations and verify dates and times, visit aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide.

“Site hours are subject to change on a weekly basis. Therefore, please check again the day before you plan to go to the site,” the organization said on its website.

The services are offered at several Manatee County locations:

• Friendship Hall, 200 Holland St., Ellenton. From Feb. 4 to April 14, the service is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with sign-up starting at 9 a.m.
• Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton. From Feb. 5 to April 12, the service is offered on Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m., and on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can visit the location and make an appointment on those days, starting at 9 a.m.
• Bayshore Gardens Community Church, 6228 26th St. W., Bradenton. From Feb. 4 to April 14, the service is offered on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m., with no appointment required.
• Faith Methodist Church, 7215 First Ave. W, Bradenton. From Feb. 4 to April 14, the service is offered on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m., with no appointment required. To avoid burdening part-time staff, the church asked residents not to call its office.
• Palmetto Library, 923 Sixth St. W., Palmetto. From Feb. 1 to April 15, the service is offered on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m., with no appointment required.
• Central Library, 1301 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, with sign-up starting at 8:15 a.m. This location is closed on Feb. 17.

For more information, call 888-227-7669 or email taxaide@aarp.org.

This story was originally published January 31, 2020 at 5:00 AM.