United Way of Greater Toledo is bringing free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income residents in Lucas, Wood and Ottawa counties.
At 15 sites throughout the counties, tax preparers help individuals and families prepare their state and federal returns for free through the Free Tax Preparation Program.
The average taxpayer spends $200 on tax preparation services each year, according to IRS estimates. In 2014, 84 volunteers assisted 3,487 residents, saving an estimated $670,000 in tax preparation fees. The program brought back more than $4.5 million in tax returns to Lucas, Wood and Ottawa county residents between January and April 2014, according to the United Way.
The United Way has been involved in the program for the past nine years, said program director Toni Shoola.
If you make less than $53,000 annually, you may qualify for the program. Tax preparers use what’s called a “scope guide,” which is provided by the IRS and sets eligibility requirements and limitations. A tax preparer will be able to determine your eligibility.
Jacob Merkle, a volunteer intern, said he and his fellow volunteers have been busy, even referring people who couldn’t get an appointment to a free website, www.myfreetaxes.com.
“I really like helping people,” Merkle said at the Downtown United Way offices on Jackson Street.
So far, tax preparers have handled more than 1,700 applications and more people are calling every day.
“We’re opening up appointments as soon as we can assist people,” Shoola said. “We have a huge demand. Every volunteer we get serves 40 more people. We’re always looking for more.”
The program has enlisted 70 volunteers for this year’s tax season and had 84 last year. United Way is still looking to enlist more, so for those interested should contact Toni Shoola at (419) 254-4689 or email
toni.shoola@unitedwaytoledo.org.
Brad Spelman and Emily Fischbach are site coordinators and tax preparers who set up sites in order to help residents on their returns. They are both students at the University of Toledo, majoring in accounting. Their volunteer time is an internship for them both.
“It helps me in my classes,”
Fischbach said. “It’s different than doing taxes behind a desk.”
To make an appointment or locate a site, dial 211 or 800-650-HELP (4357). For more information, go to www.unitedwaytoledo.org/taxprep.
As another alternative for the tax season, United Way of Greater Toledo is offering free classes to teach people how to prepare their taxes. An IRS-certified volunteer will teach the basics and answer questions to help residents complete returns.
The three-hour classes will run through April at the Locke, Mott and Sanger branch libraries.
For more information on times and dates, contact United Way.
Another option for free tax preparation is The Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB). The online system offers self-serve tax preparation as well as the option to sit down with a tax counselor.
The “expert system makes accurate calculations and asks the right questions to find the most income deductions and tax credits for you,” according to its website.
OBB is available to individuals with adjusted gross incomes of less than $65,000, or married couples with an adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less. Some tax forms and some situations, such as business owners, may not be able to be served by OBB.
To make an appointment or find out if you are eligible, call (800) 648-1176 or visit ohiobenefits.org.
