United Way Program Provides Free Tax Preparation
This free program helps low-income people in Alachua County secure all the refunds and credits they’re eligible for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit.
During the 2014 tax season, 2,020 people received free tax services totalling more than $2.2 million in refunds.
IRS-certified volunteers file taxes electronically so clients get refunds faster. During the 2014 tax season, 2,020 people received free tax services through the VITA program in the United Way of North Central Florida six-county service area of Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Union totalling more than $2.2 million in refunds.
All tax preparers are trained in the Affordable Care Act so they will be able to handle all types of returns dealing with this act, as well as answer any questions participants may have.
Once again, United Way of North Central Florida is partnering with the Alachua County Public Schools at Buchholz High School to train and certify students to become tax preparers. These Academy of Finance students have completed the same training as all other volunteers in the program and are eager to use their new skills to help the community.
There are 10 different sites for tax preparation. Appointments can be made for Monday through Saturday, beginning January 17 through April 12. Appointments can be made one of two ways: by calling 2-1-1 or by accessing the brand new self-registration page coming soon to www.unitedwayncfl.org. Please note, appointments are required for all in-person tax assistance. If an individual would prefer to do their taxes from home, they can visit www.myfreetaxes.com.
The locations in Alachua County are UF Levin College of Law, United Way of North Central Florida, Alachua Branch Library, Library Partnership, Cone Park Library, SWAG Resource Center, Reichert House, Santa Fe College, Santa Fe Blount Center (Downtown) and Buchholz High School Academy of Finance.