Free Tax Preparation for Low Income Households in St. Louis City, County

Need help with your tax preparation? If you live in St. Louis City or County and your household income was less than $49,000 in 2010 you may qualify for free tax help – and you might get more money back.

Starting Saturday, January 29, the Gateway EITC Community Coalition will offer free tax help to those who qualify.

For information on if you qualify, locations, dates, and documents needed see below or contact United Way at 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626. 

The average EITC return for St. Louisans was almost $1,800 last year, according to GECC. The assistance focuses on individuals or families who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is a federal tax credit designed to help people increase their financial stability numerous ways. 

Locations/dates/times for Saturday sites are listed below for the GECC Free Tax Preparation for those with a 2010 household income of less than $49,000. Weekday locations are also available and can be found online at www.gecc.us or by calling 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626. 

North City 

Guardian Angel Settlement Association

1127 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, MO 63113

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturdays: January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26 

MET Center (at the Wellston MetroLink)

6347 Plymouth Ave., St. Louis, MO 63133

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturdays: January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26 

ry 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26 

Central County

RTR/DCC (Deaf Community Center) – Sign language interpreters available

8764 Manchester Rd., Ste 201, St. Louis, MO 63144

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Saturdays: January 29, February 5, February 12

If your 2010 household income was less than $49,000 and you do not require any itemizations such as schedules A, B, C or D, you qualify for EITC tax assistance. Please bring the following documents with you to the preparation: 

• All W-2’s and 1099’s (if any)
• Social Security Card(s) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number(s) - ITIN - for all family members
• Valid picture ID for taxpayer and spouse (driver’s license or state ID or passport)
• Copy of your 2009 tax return (if applicable)
• 1098 or real estate tax receipt
• Proof of unemployment compensation (if valid)
• Copy of a voided check or bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
• Sales tax receipt of new auto purchase (if applicable)
• Proof of child care expenses (if valid)
• Amount of advanced EITC payment
• If married, must file jointly and both spouses must be present to sign paperwork
• Parcel number (Illinois residents only)

GECC is a public/private partnership working to bring unclaimed EITC refunds to low-income individuals and families in the St. Louis region and is made up of 22 member organizations. United Way of Greater St. Louis is a key partner in the coalition providing administration, office space and volunteer training.