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United Way of Southwest Alabama / Uncategorized  / Free Tax Preparation Now Available

Free Tax Preparation Now Available

On Saturday, January 31, 2015, United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) and members of South Alabama Free Electronic (SAFE) Filing Coalition kicked-off tax season by providing free tax preparation assistance for qualifying individuals and families.

“We are excited to raise awareness about these tax preparation opportunities that help ensure everyone who is eligible receives the tax credits they have earned,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “I would personally like to thank all of the community partners and volunteers who provide free tax preparation assistance. It truly takes the community coming together to help bring the most tax return money back to southwest Alabama.”

There are numerous Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) tax preparation sites located throughout southwest Alabama. These sites are staffed by volunteers, trained by the IRS, who ask the needed questions to find out if tax payers qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other refundable tax credits.

Volunteers at VITA sites also prepare and electronically file tax returns at no cost for those with a household income of $53,000 or less. Taxpayers 60 years and over are eligible for free tax preparation through the TCE program.

“Our community volunteers help you get EITC and the maximum refund you’re due. Our goal is to help you get the largest tax refund that you are eligible for,” stated UWSWA President and CEO Alan H. Turner II. “In total, nearly $4.2 million dollars were brought back into the community last year in tax refunds and rebates through these VITA sites. We encourage anyone who is wanting more information or to find a free tax preparation site nearest to them to call United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline. You just need to dial 2-1-1.”

Those with a household income of $60,000 or less are eligible to file their own tax return for free using name brand online software accessible through the MyFreeTaxes program. Tax payers should contact United Way’s 2-1-1 or click here for more information about the various free tax preparation opportunities available.

About United Way of Southwest Alabama

The United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) serves Mobile, Washington, and Clarke Counties. Created in 1926 as a Community Chest, UWSWA’s mission is to improve the quality of life in the community. The vision of UWSWA is to strengthen communities by focusing on uniting and mobilizing resources in support of the building blocks for a better life: Education, Financial Stability, Health, and Essentials. UWSWA has raised and invested into our community more than $240 million to help strengthen its capacity for positive community progress. Many of the issues that affect our community are addressed by funded programs and initiatives that help more than 600,000 local people each year. For more information, visit www.uwswa.org.

 

About SAFE Coalition

In partnership with the IRS, a number of community partners provide free tax preparation assistance for qualifying individuals and families and comprise the South Alabama Free Electronic (SAFE) Filing Coalition. These members include United Way of Southwest Alabama, Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast, Mobile Community Action, Boat People SOS, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Mobile County, Dauphin Way Baptist Church, and the Coast Guard Air Training Center of Mobile.

 

About United Way 2-1-1

United Way 2-1-1 is a program of United Way of Southwest Alabama. This helpline provides direct access to free and confidential referrals to community services near you. Just dial 2-1-1 for information regarding assistance with food, housing, healthcare, financial counseling, and more.