- The Free Tax Assist program is an online program from the IRS that began in El Paso in 2014
- The program offers online self-tax preparation that’s free of charge for taxpayers who earn $73,000 or less
- The taxpayer can select the online tax vendor of their choice, free of charge
- IRS-trained volunteers are available to help answer questions via phone or email
- The VITA face-to-face options began in 2003
- Taxes are filed at no charge by IRS-trained volunteers
- Taxpayers who earn $58,000 or less qualify for this tax-preparation assistance program
- The VITA program offers a face-to-face meeting with a trained tax preparer at many locations throughout the El Paso area. Dial 211 for site locations and hours.
- Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for low- and moderate-income community members
- This credit supports working taxpayers and helps offset federal payroll and income taxes
- This tax credit may help taxpayers get an additional refund
- Qualifications include those who have low to moderate income and who work or own their own business with annual incomes up to $56,000. Other requirements apply. Ask a VITA volunteer to see if you qualify
- Tax preparers can do a three-year lookback and the taxpayer can receive thousands of dollars in a refund