Nonprofit offers free tax services

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Even though the tax deadline is a few months away, many who have received their W-2 forms are not waiting until the last minute to file their taxes.

"We really believe that if you work hard for you money, you don't have to pay to get your taxes done," said Walter Monreau, with Community Tax Centers.

Community Tax Centers has 500 qualified volunteers on hand at the free tax centers to help Central Texans who qualify file.

At some offices, the services have become so popular that it is reaching its daily workload before 9 a.m.

Moreau said the idea to open up a nonprofit center came five years ago, when an estimated $30 million went unclaimed in Travis County alone. It is a program of Foundations Communities created for low-income families and individuals.

There are specific income criteria in order to qualify for the preparation service.

"We expect to do about 20,000 tax returns basically for families that make less than $50,000 a year, $25,000 for singles," said Moreau.

Instead of paying a commercial tax center, thousands confused by the tax-return process are turning to the nonprofits for help.

"At first you wonder, but it really is free and they give you a copy of everything," said customer Torri Chaney. "So if you ever had to contact the IRS, you have all of your paperwork."

There are eight Community Tax Centers in Central Texas that operate on a first come, first serve basis:

Community Financial Center
2600 W. Stassney
Austin, TX 78745
Jan 15 — April 17

South Rural Community Center
3518 FM 973 South
Del Valle, TX 78617
Jan 23 — April 15

Bastrop Public Library
1100 Church Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
Jan 25 — April 13

Goodwill Community Center
1015 Norwood Park Blvd.
(Near Wal-Mart)
Austin, TX 78753
Jan 16 — April 17

Workforce Solutions, Capital Area
6505 Airport Blvd.
(by Highland Mall)
Austin, TX 78752
Jan 19 — April 15

Allen R. Baca Center
301 Bagdad Ave., Bldg 2
Round Rock 78664
Jan 21 — April 15

Dolores Catholic Church
1111 Montopolis Dr.
Austin, TX 78741
Jan 20 — April 15

East Austin Neighborhood Center
211 Comal Street
(off east 2nd Street)
Austin, TX 78702
Jan 20 — April 15

For more information on qualifications and what you need to take to the center for assistance visit the Web site .