Program updates

As COVID-19 continues to surge across the nation, we have made significant updates to our program in order to protect the health and safety of our volunteers and clients. Traditionally, tax preparation sites are available throughout Winston-Salem and Forsyth County during tax season.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only two sites will be open. However, we are also offering our Drop Off and Virtual VITA services in addition to these two sites.

About the program

The Forsyth Free Tax program provides free tax preparation for low to moderate income families.

VITA volunteers are IRS-certified preparers, using approved software for return preparation. VITA sites file most simple returns, however please check to make sure you qualify. If you have any question about whether your tax return can be filed at a VITA site, please contact ESR’s Forsyth Free Tax Team – (336) 722-9400 x164.

Prepare For Your Tax Appointment

Because we have significantly fewer volunteers this year, we are asking that all taxpayers wishing to avail themselves of the sites above prepare their documents prior to their appointments. This will significantly improve our ability to serve you, and our other clients.

You will need to:

• Pick up a packet at either tax site and complete the included documents prior to your appointment
• Form 13614-C and the Virtual VITA/TCE Taxpayer Consent can also be accessed here, in our download area.
• You MUST complete the Virtual VITA/TCE Taxpayer Consent for Virtual VITA services.
• Assemble and bring these documents:
  • Government issued photo identification for you and your spouse (if married)
  • Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number documents for you, your spouse, and/or dependents
  • A copy of last year’s tax return
  • All Forms W-2 and 1099
  • Forms 1095-A, B or C (ACA Statements)
  • Information for other income
  •  Information for all deductions (including charitable contributions)/credits
  • Total paid to day care provider and their tax ID number
  • For direct deposit of refund, proof of account and bank’s routing number
  • Notice 1444, Economic Impact Payment 2020 (If applicable)

2021 Tax Sites

The Robert Strickland Center at Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC)

• Visit www.forsythtech.edu for more information
• Call 336-734-7656 after February 12*to make an appointment
• Appointment times are Monday and Wednesday, 10 am – 3 pm;  Tuesday & Thursday, 1 pm – 7 pm beginning February 15*
• The Robert Strickland Center is located at 2100 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR)

• Call 336-722-9400 ext. 172 after February 12* to make an appointment
• Appointment times are Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 3 pm beginning February 17*
• ESR is located at 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105

*Note: Dates have been adjusted to reflect the tax season start dates from the IRS. For more information, click here.

Drop Off

If you’d like the convenience and safety of dropping off your tax return for preparation, you will need to follow the instructions above (Prepare For Your Appointment). You can pick up the information packet at either the ESR or the FTTC site. You will also need one additional form, the Virtual VITA/TCE Taxpayer Consent form, found here. Tax return documents may be dropped off at either of the VITA sites. We will make copies of your vital documents (ID, SS cards) and return the originals at the time you drop off your tax documents. We will contact you when it’s time to sign your forms.

PLEASE NOTE: We CANNOT prepare your tax return if you do not provide ALL of the needed documents, including the consent form and the intake form! 

Please stay tuned for additional updates as they arise.