Filing your 2020 tax returns with Mercy Housing in Gulfport

March 1, 2021

Just 45 days left to go as the clock ticks down to the April 15^th deadline to file your 2020 tax returns.

The sooner the better, especially considering the likely next round of stimulus money that may be approved.

Mercy Housing in Gulfport is now accepting tax returns for the 2020 VITA tax filing program, but there are a few changes this year those who use this secure drop-off tax prep service need to know about. Mercy Housing and Human Development Executive Director Julie Egressy said, “We have to call you for Q&A. The IRS has some rules and laws we have to follow. We have to call you for a question and answer to make sure we file your taxes correctly. Did you get married? Did you change jobs? Things like that. Once we do complete your taxes, then we’re going to have to give you a call back. We’re going to mail out your taxes for you to review. Once you get them, you’re going to have to give us a call back so we can review them with you. I think there’s a little confusion going on.”

They’re playing catch-up. Tax filing season was delayed this year. The IRS began accepting 2020 tax returns on February 12^th later than the typical late January opening of tax season. “The COVID relief, the stimulus package, it put us back two weeks just in getting it submitted to the IRS.”

The sooner you get your 2020 tax return filed, the better, especially when it comes to the upcoming likely round of more stimulus money rolling out. “The filing of the taxes is kind of like a catalyst to make sure you get stimulus checks in the future. Even if you have a zero income, if you get social security, get zero income, you need to still file taxes, even if it’s zero, just for that stimulus check.”

Mercy Housing and Human Development Community Outreach Specialist Xuan Tran said, “The deadline to file your taxes is in April, but we do work year long, so after April and you’re in a position where you have to do back taxes, we’re here all year long.”

For more information you can call Mercy Housing at 228-896-1945 or visit their website at www.mhhd.org.