Tax Prep Resources and Services in Connecticut

January 25, 2022

Tax time is here! I know, I know - there’s no need for that exclamation point as I’m not sure anyone, other than possibly tax accountants, look forward to the season that is now upon us. Does this induce stress for most of us? YUP. Do some of us worry about being able to complete this accurately and submitted on time? YUP. Fortunately, there a few great resources at your fingertips to help get you through it all. And if you're still stressed from past years of not being able to file them for one reason or another, CT has you covered there as well.

For this year's tax prep, assistance can be found through the AARP Tax-Aide Program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and the UConn Law School Tax Clinic.

And for those peeking out from around the corner or under a blanket right now, worried about past years, Connecticut's Tax Amnesty Program is still open for individuals and businesses that are behind on their taxes for any period ending on or before December 31, 2020. 

Keep reading to learn more about all of the programs and services available in our state so you can stay ahead this tax season.

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Taxpayer Service Center began accepting online individual income tax returns the week of January 18, 2022. Taxes must be filed no later than Monday, April 18, 2022. Below are services and resources in our state if you need assistance this tax season:

TAX PREP ASSISTANCE

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

  • Program offers free tax preparation to eligible households
  • Eligibility requirements:
    • Household income less than $58,000
    • If self-employed taxpayers, business expenses must be less than $25,000
    • No income from a rental property
  • Individuals with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers can access tax prep assistance through VITA.
  • Click here to see what you should bring to your appointment. 
Find a VITA Site

AARP Tax-Aide Program

  • Program offers free tax help for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, particularly those age 60 and older
  • Virtual and in-person assistance are available
  • Learn more here
Find an AARP Tax-Aide Site

CT Department of Revenue Services

  • DRS representatives can answer questions taxpayers may have. Reach out via phone or email
    • Phone: 860-297-5962 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 860-297-4911 (Hearing Impaired, IDD/TT users only)
    • Email: DRS@po.state.ct.us
  • 2022 Connecticut Income Tax Filing Season FAQs - you can find answers to common questions such as requesting a filing extension, revising returns after filing, and more. Click here to access the FAQ page.
  • DRS Taxpayer Service Center (TSC) Online - find information about filing individual and business tax through this platform. Business, individual, and bulk filers can file, pay, and manage their taxes, and find helpful information like tutorials, a troubleshooting guide, and more.
Access the TSC Online Here

UNEMPLOYMENT FILING

 

Last week, the Connecticut Department of Labor began sending out 1099G tax forms to residents who filed for unemployment benefits in 2021. If you received a 1099G but did not file for unemployment benefits, contact the DOL immediately. This may be identity theft. You can report the issue through the DOL's online portal, here.

ADDITIONAL TAX HELP

UConn Law School Tax Clinic - 65 Elizabeth St, Hartford, CT

  • Tax Clinic is a free and independent clinic offering legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax issues concerning the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or CT DRS
  • All phone and in-person meetings are confidential 
  • The clinic can only assist individuals taxpayers with CT income tax problems. It is unable to assist with other Connecticut business or individual tax
  • Contact the clinic at 860-570-5165 or visit the website here.

2021 Connecticut Tax Amnesty Program

  • Provides individuals and businesses an opportunity to pay back taxes at 75% reduction in interest and waives penalties and possibility of criminal prosecution to taxpayers who have not filed, under reported or have existing liabilities related to taxes owed to the State for any tax period ending on or before December 31, 2020
  • Taxpayers have until January 31, 2022 to participate and pay their taxes back
  • Learn more and get right on your taxes here.