Elizabeth Gomez remembers one client’s face after filing her taxes for the first time on her own.
“She was very nervous,” Gomez said. “And once everything was done and everything was filed, she got her refund and was so relieved.”
Gomez serves as a volunteer income tax assistance, or VITA, site coordinator for United Way of Tarrant County. The nonprofit hosts its 16th annual VITAthon event 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Tarrant County College South Campus’s Family Empowerment Center.
IRS-certified volunteers prepare tax returns at no cost for qualifying households. Organizers say families can save between $250 and $300 in fees while ensuring they receive all eligible tax credits.
“Just because it’s free, doesn’t mean it’s going to skimp on any sort of quality,” Gomez said. “Everyone is fully certified.”
United Way trains and certifies volunteers in-house for the program that includes eight walk-in locations and 17 sites across Tarrant County.
In addition to tax preparation, the event features financial coaching and other community resources.
“They can go out and visit and learn more about financial coaching. They can learn about employment opportunities,” said Chris Alvarado, vice president of community investment. “They can learn about other resources available to them and their community all while getting their taxes done at no cost.”
Since launching in 2010, the program has helped secure more than $175 million in refunds, Gomez said.
“I really feel like the VITA program is just so beneficial,” she said. “If everyone can go and get this service, if they qualify, it would be beneficial.”
Joseph Morgan is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at joseph.morgan@fortworthreport.org.
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