Community Link

Free Tax Preparation

Yes, Free Tax Preparation! That's the heart and soul behind the creation of our Family Financial Literacy Coalition (FFLC). A host of organizations comprise our coalition and each year partner to provide this community initiative. You might also hear the program referred to as VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).

You may be eligible for this service, so be sure to read more on the specifics of our program.

Or, you might be interested in why the program is important, volunteer opportunities and how to contact us. You'll find this below as well.

Specifics on the Program

Each tax season (January - April), more than 100 trained volunteers at various community locations help our lower-income neighbors and our seniors prepare and e-file their taxes.

Eligibility includes that you only earn $51,000 or less.

Location of 2013 Tax Sites

Our sites are posted on the map . . . which you'll find by looking to the right. Link to view the larger map and find out more information on what to bring.

Or you can:

Download PDF of the sites
View the sites on the web.

Why is this Program Important?

Financial "literacy" and connecting with financial resources are frequently underlying issues among so many low-to-moderate income individuals and families who are struggling to find and keep housing.

More to the point, we:

Help families file their taxes appropriately.
Identify "Earned Income Tax Credits," which result in refunds that can be used toward housing, medical costs, and other general household items.
Connect individuals to other mainstream resources that might further help their financial situation.
Help individuals (who can least afford it) avoid paying a high tax preparation fee! This simply doesn't need to happen!

Visit the EITC website for more information on the credit!

View 2013 Community Link and AARP Free Tax Preparation Sites in a larger map.

Click above for more on our Free Tax Prep Story!

For more information or volunteering, email Tameka Gunn.

Proud Affiliate

Interested in volunteering for this program? We've got options!

Tax Aide: Availability: Yearly - Jan.-April

Site Coordinator
Quality Reviewer
Tax Preparer
Greeter
Interpreter
Scheduler

Link now to learn more about all of the above opportunities.

Training is required.

The first answer to your question is no - you don't need to be a tax attorney to lend your time. You'll complete basic tax returns for a targeted population in our community that are challenged to pay out of pocket for these services.

Maybe not wanting to file taxes? Aides include appointment setters, greeters, and site coordinators as well.

Nyjah, a college student landed a job through her volunteer involvement. Learn more about her story!	Geraldine, a retiree, found her volunteer experience extremely rewarding. Learn more about her story!

Financial Coach: Availability: Ongoing, monthly

Training: Up to two hour orientation, provided the third Thursday of each month.

Stretch a mind to exercise good financial decisions! You'll pair with a Community Link customer to mentor them on basic financial decision-making and help that individual build a better future. A certified financial advisor is not who you need to be - rather, you'll become a trusted friend to join a customer on their journey to self-sufficiency.

Link to learn more about being a Financial Coach.

Read this Financial Coach's confession!