Across the nation, many people are dreading one challenging task this time of year: filing their taxes.
An upcoming conference could ease the burden.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) is hosting a “Getting Ready for Taxes” seminar in Woodbridge on February 28.
The conference seeks to teach attendees where they can find information they can use to file their taxes, according to a release.
“We can’t teach them how to do their taxes in two hours, but we can teach them where to go, how to find this chart, how to find that rule, how to delve deeper,” said VCE Financial Education Program Manager Victoria Neeley. “Mostly we teach them how to arrange their financials so that they’re ready.”
Itemizing is one topic that will be covered at the seminar, which will be led by a tax expert who used to work with the Internal Revenue Service.
“We talk about what paperwork and what things they need to get together if they’re going to itemize,” Neeley said. “They might have to do some itemizing to see if it’s worth it.”
Attendees will also learn how they can avoid identity theft.
“One of the main things to avoid identity theft is to file early so that no one can beat you to it,” Neeley said. “The sooner you file, the less likely somebody can steal your stuff.”
The conference will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be held in room 107 in the Development Services Building at 5 County Complex Court.
Those interested in attending the seminar must register online or email SmartMoney@pwcgov.org. Space is limited.
To learn more information, visit www.pwcgov.org/money.
