WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today reminded Missourians that, on Saturday, March 21, the Internal Revenue Service will host volunteer events at which anyone with income of $42,000 or less can have their federal taxes prepared for free.

“The IRS is offering a great opportunity to get free tax preparation assistance.  I am very glad that one of these nationwide events will take place in Cape Girardeau, and I hope everyone who meets the criteria for the event will participate,” Emerson said.  “We have a complex and onerous tax code, and it grows every single year.  I am working hard in Congress to simplify our federal income tax system, but until we accomplish that objective this is an excellent chance to access some free, in-person expertise.”

The event in the Eighth Congressional District will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 9:00 a.m. EDT to 2:00 p.m. EDT at 137 S. Broadview.

Eligible individuals who plan to take advantage of the free service should bring the following:

– proof of identification
– Social Security cards for the filing individual, spouse and all dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
– Birth dates for the filing individual, spouse and all dependents on the tax return
– Current year tax package, if received
– Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G or 1099-R from all employers
– Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
– A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
– Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
– Total paid for day car provider and the day care provider’s tax identification number (the provider’s Social Security Number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number)