United Way offers free tax services
Shane McOwen
staff writer
West Valley residents on low income budgets have a free tax service options in two locations in Avondale. Valley of the Sun United Way is offering free tax assistance to families earning $50,000 or less at Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, and Care1st Resource and Housing Center, 328 W. Western Ave., in Avondale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until April 15.
"It's a free service and it's part of our effort to increase financial stability," Beth Lukas said, who's with United Way.
The program has IRS certified volunteers helping families claim the maximum amount of tax returns for the 2012 year.
One of those volunteers is Estrella Mountain Community College student Rhiannon Truog.
Truog has been working with accounting for 10 years and took a course during the fall semester to be certified. Truog is attending EMCC on her way to earning her CPA.
"It's helping me prepare for my career while helping others at the same time," she said.
Troug said she helps do taxes for about five families per week.
"We've seen people report they're doing things like creating saving accounts, paying for education or getting ahead on important bills," Lukas said. "It's helping them regain their independence."
Charlie Boyce, vice president of community impact for United Way, said he greatly encourages people to stop by to get their tax work done.
"If you made $50,000 or less in 2012, you should be coming to us," Boyce said. "Every tax return is eligible for some return."
The return number can be quite high, Boyce said.
"People can earn an income tax credit up to $5,800 based on money earned and dependents claimed," he said. "That's a significant amount of money that they don't get unless they claim it."
Boyce said the sites slow down in March before picking back up in April, making it a great time to stop by one of the locations.
Everyone helping with the tax service is a volunteer, Boyce said.
"The goal is to increase financial stability for low income individuals," Boyce said. "Most have said they're using the returns for paying off bills or starting a savings account."
For more information, visit www.vsuw.org.
Shane McOwen can be reached by email at smcowen@westvalleyview.com.