WSVN — The April 15 tax deadline is looming, and if you need some motivation to get those taxes done, how does getting it for free sound? In tonight’s Dollars and Sense, Lynn Martinez shows us where you can check those taxes off your list without paying a fee.
It’s the most taxing time of year.
Natalie Beasley, United Way of Broward County: “They’re not sure what to expect. What are all the documents you’re going to need? Do they have everything that they’re supposed to have?”
United Way of Broward County, the Children’s Services Council and Hispanic Unity of Florida have teamed up with others in the community to help South Florida families cash in without stressing out this tax season.
Joanna Regueira: “I come here each year because they prepare your taxes for free and they do it correctly.”
The service is designed to help those who have fallen on hard times keep more of their money.
In addition to staying on good terms with the tax man, some residents are walking away with even more perks.
Joanna Regueira: “They actually found a mistake that was in my taxes from the previous company that did it. So they were able to amend my taxes.”
Saving her the stress of paying penalty fees or interest and resulting in extra cash to use toward other necessities.
Joanna Regueira: “It actually has impacted my life tremendously. I was able to put a down payment on a car.”
While getting a big refund is exciting, organizers are taking the opportunity to teach people to save too!
Ingrid Ekblad: “We really want to help people take that refund and really work with it and do what they can to maximize that experience and really be able to save.”
Show up with your tax records to one of their 13 locations and in about an hour your taxes are done!
Kathy Cotto: “Other companies, they charge you, overcharge you. Over here, it’s for free and they will help you no matter your situation.”
Saving you money and getting you set on a happy, healthy financial path.
Ingrid Ekblad, Hispanic Unity of Florida: “We really start trying to teach and target people how to earn it, save it and grow it.”
The program is free for families who made less than $53,000 last year, veterans, the elderly and people with disabilities.
For More Information:
http://vitataxesfree.org/
http://www.cscbroward.org/
http://www.unitedwaybroward.org/
http://www.hispanicunity.org/