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Virgin Islanders who need help figuring out their taxes will, come February 25th, once again have access to free support.
Director of the VI Bureau of Internal Revenue Joel Lee announced the resumption of the Bureau's taxpayer assistance program via a press release issued on Monday. The volunteer program will begin on the 25th of this month and run through April 1, except for a 1-day suspension on March 18.
Those interested in availing themselves of this service can do so from 9am to 1pm at BIR offices; 6115 Estate Smith Bay in Red Hook St. Thomas (across the street from the Red Hook dock), and 4008 Estate Diamond on St.Croix.
You will need to bring all relevant documents, including "a valid ID, as well as all W-2VIs, Letter 6419 (Notice of Advance Child Tax Credit Payments), 1099Rs (Retirement Income), other Form 1099s (Interest and Other Income), and Form SSA (Social Security Income) readily available when they arrive at the office," according to the BIR announcement.
Those claiming dependents will also need to provide birth certificates and Social Security cards for said dependents. The service is not all-encompassing, as BIR says it is reserved for those who need assistance with "filing simple tax returns." As such, "there will be no preparation for Form 1040NR or any returns with Schedule C."
The service is provided on a first-come-first-served basis, says Mr. Lee. The bureau will also require clients be masked and maintain adequate social distance when accessing the service.
Questions can be directed to Perpetua Cranston on St. Croix (773-1040 ext. 4233) or to Clifford Charleswell on St. Thomas/St. John (715-1040 ext. 2271)
The BIR reminded the public that its employees are not allowed to charge for tax preparation services, and encourages anyone with proof that the law has been violated in this manner to report it to Mr. Lee (773-1040, ext. 4223).
