Cherokee Nation to offer free tax preparation service

Beginning Feb. 3, the Cherokee Nation will offer its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help eligible families prepare to file their 2024 state and federal income tax forms for free.

The VITA program has prepared and submitted nearly 20,000 tax returns in the past 10 years, helping taxpayers receive nearly $30 million in tax refunds including earned income tax credits. Last year alone, the tribe’s VITA program helped more than 2,200 taxpayers by saving preparation fees that are normally charged for those services.

“In the past two years, the Cherokee Nation VITA program has received prestigious awards from the IRS, Partner of the Year, and recognition for Outstanding Commitment. These accolades recognize the program’s exceptional dedication to meeting all site requirements, providing invaluable assistance to clients, and consistently going above and beyond to ensure the success of the VITA initiative,” said Brooklynn Colburn, manager of Cherokee Nation Building Bridges Program.

“Our program helps alleviate financial stress by providing free professional, accurate tax assistance to our communities. We are committed to supporting Cherokee families by empowering them with the resources they need to navigate tax season with confidence and ease.” The Cherokee Nation has partnered with the IRS for over 40 years to provide a free tax preparation program to Native and non-Native families living on and off the reservation. To qualify for the service, an individual and household income must not exceed more than $67,000 per year.

This year, the service will run Feb. 3 through April 15. Volunteers from various departments throughout Cherokee Nation will be preparing the returns using the basic 1040 form. All returns will be e-filed by VITA at no charge.

Appointments can be made now for one of the 13 tax preparation sites including Catoosa, Claremore, Jay, Muskogee, Nowata, Ochelata, Pryor, Salina, Sallisaw, Stilwell, Tahlequah, Vinita and Westville.

To utilize the service, families must provide Social Security cards for all household members being claimed on tax return, a current photo ID, all tax documents which may include W-2s, 1099s 1095-A and banking information for direct deposit. Additional documents may be required.

The find a VITA program anywhere in the U.S., call 1-800-9069887 or visit https://irs.treasury. gov/freetaxprep/.

For individuals or families with an annual income exceeding the threshold for VITA of $67,000 but not exceeding an annual income of $84,000, the tribe’s Commerce Department recommends preparing state and federal taxes online for free at www.olt.com/main/vita.

Appointments can be made with Cherokee Nation by calling 918453-5536.