Reminder: Free Tax Preparation Available January 22
By: Press Release
Updated: January 21, 2013
Free tax preparation at the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity, 1102 N. 3rd Street (downtown Abilene), opens for community members January 22.
Appointments for this free service are recommended and may be made by calling the Center for Economic Opportunity at (325) 672-8980; walk-in clients are welcomed and will be helped as available.
In 2012, volunteers and staff at the Center for Economic Opportunity filed 1,400+ tax returns, helping individuals or families claim more than $2.3 million in tax refunds. A team of community volunteers will help eligible working families claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, which could total more than $5,800 this year. Last year, the Center for Economic Opportunity helped families claim over $900,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits.
"Our free tax preparation is a valuable community service that plugs money back into the community through families who receive a refund," said Jamie Jimenez, Program Director at the Center for Economic Opportunity.
Tax preparation services at the Center for Economic Opportunity are free, but individuals should bring the following items to the tax preparation sites to maximize their return:
Jimenez said. "Sometimes navigating that road can be challenging, confusing and complex - free tax
preparation is just one of the ways the Center for Economic Opportunity helps families along the way to self-sufficiency."
In addition to tax preparation services, the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity provides student financial aid information, small business support, financial literacy courses and credit counseling. The Center is part of a Community Initiative led by the United Way of Abilene in partnership with Dodge Jones Foundation to help promote financial stability and independence for area families.
Appointments for this free service are recommended and may be made by calling the Center for Economic Opportunity at (325) 672-8980; walk-in clients are welcomed and will be helped as available.
In 2012, volunteers and staff at the Center for Economic Opportunity filed 1,400+ tax returns, helping individuals or families claim more than $2.3 million in tax refunds. A team of community volunteers will help eligible working families claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, which could total more than $5,800 this year. Last year, the Center for Economic Opportunity helped families claim over $900,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits.
"Our free tax preparation is a valuable community service that plugs money back into the community through families who receive a refund," said Jamie Jimenez, Program Director at the Center for Economic Opportunity.
Tax preparation services at the Center for Economic Opportunity are free, but individuals should bring the following items to the tax preparation sites to maximize their return:
- Valid Photo ID (Driver's License, State ID or Student ID)
- Social Security Cards (all household members)
- All 2012 W-2, 1099 & 1098 forms
- Blank Check with routing number & account number
- Receipts for charitable gifts, medical expenses (including insurance), college expenses (including books), or child care expenses
Jimenez said. "Sometimes navigating that road can be challenging, confusing and complex - free tax
preparation is just one of the ways the Center for Economic Opportunity helps families along the way to self-sufficiency."
In addition to tax preparation services, the West Central Texas Center for Economic Opportunity provides student financial aid information, small business support, financial literacy courses and credit counseling. The Center is part of a Community Initiative led by the United Way of Abilene in partnership with Dodge Jones Foundation to help promote financial stability and independence for area families.
