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1,000 volunteers expected to train for Neighborhood Tax Centers' 2012 season
This
time of year, money weighs heavily on the minds of every taxpayer. For
some, hope comes in the form of a tax refund, which could
help many get out of debt, pay towards a much needed household item or
build their rainy day fund. Others only hope that what they end up owing
in taxes doesn’t cause a financial setback.
Here’s a little bit of relief: Neighborhood Tax Centers, the free service that provides tax preparation and filing with no fees of any kind, will start opening their doors on January 16.
Neighborhood Tax Centers is a program of Neighborhood Centers, offering free tax assistance to families who make $50,000 a year or less (large families with higher incomes can also qualify). Since approximately half of Houston’s households make $50,000 a year or less, if you aren’t eligible you most likely know one person that is! Individuals that made $30,000 or less in 2011 also qualify for the service.
Before the first two (of 16) locations around Greater Houston open on January 16, volunteers are training and dedicating their evenings and weekends to learning about tax laws for 2012 and taking certification exams. Yes, for the 4th year the program has successfully met its goals through the devotion of volunteer tax preparers, putting over $100 million back in the pockets of Houstonians. Neighborhood Tax Centers is an IRS VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program.
"Chase employees are excited to partner with Neighborhood Centers Inc. during the 2012 tax season. We had an overwhelming response from employee volunteers wanting to get involved and save families from paying tax preparation fees - and maybe get a refund. Every little bit helps these families make ends meet, especially during these challenging times."
- Ryan McCauley, JPMorgan Chase |
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By the end of January 1,000 volunteers will have completed training and taken IRS certification exams. Last year volunteers dedicated 21,121 hours of service during the tax season, an average of 50 hours each.
From training during holiday season to three months of filing taxes across the city, Neighborhood Centers is very grateful to the volunteers that are dedicated to reaching this year's goal of preparing 27,000 tax returns. They make it possible, and Houston families are that much richer for having met them.
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