Free tax preparation available for qualified Tempe residents

PHOENIX — The city of Tempe is once again offering free tax preparation for “low- to moderate-income” residents this tax season, according to a press release.

Individuals and families who made less than $55,000 in 2018 can use the service, as can any disabled or senior residents regardless of income, until April 13.

Last year, staff and volunteers helped complete about 1,200 returns with $2.4 million in refunds.

“With the poverty rate in Tempe at about 20 percent, the tax site offers many benefits to our residents,” Diane Watkins, the Tempe program coordinator, said in the release.

You might qualify to have your taxes done at no cost. Check out free tax prep services through Tempe Community Council’s tax site Feb. 2 – April 13. For income requirements and more details: https://t.co/QuJDTrVBYb. pic.twitter.com/j22W0BpC6g

— City of Tempe, AZ (@Tempegov) February 1, 2019

“They avoid the cost of going to a paid tax preparer, and they receive the tax credits for which they are eligible, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. This enables our clients to pay medical and other bills, provide educational opportunities for themselves or children, and to build their savings and emergency funds.”

The Tempe Community Council opened the site in 2002.

“The Tempe VITA tax site positively impacts not only individual lives, but the community’s economy overall,” Octavia Harris, the council’s executive director, said in the release.

“The tax site is part of achieving our vision of caring for and about one another.”

The site also partners with Arizona State University to help international students prepare their returns.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site is located in the Community Room at Gracie’s Village at 1540 E. Apache Boulevard.

It is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 5-7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

It will be closed March 2-9 for spring break.

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