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The National League of Cities offers information and access to a variety of helpful assets related to filing your taxes! Check out the great information they have provided if you are looking for information:
Tax preparation services for free and information about available tax credits
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offer free tax return preparation to qualified individuals. VITA is targeted at people making less than $60,000 and has been recognized for its accuracy and trustworthiness; it has saved individual clients hundreds of dollars that serve as lifelines for their families and provides direct support to local businesses when families spend those dollars. The TCE program offers free tax help to those who are 60 years of age and older and are specialized in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
The local VITA Office serving the 70714 zip code information can be found by clicking on Get Free Tax Prep Help (treasury.gov).
(TCE) AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free tax preparation in different ways – in-person, low-contact, or contact-free – depending on what service is available in your area. Some sites can provide service in one or two visits, or you may not need to visit a site at all, with all interactions taking place online. Brief descriptions of each service type offered at Tax-Aide sites are available by selecting the
The TCE Program may be accessed at the AARP website by clicking on AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator
Earned income tax credit
To claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) , you must
If you are eligible for this credit, the maximum amount you could receive is:
- $560 if you have no dependent children
- $3,733 if you have one qualifying child
- $6,164 if you have two qualifying children
- $6,935 if you have three or more qualifying children
Child tax credit (CTC)
The Child Tax Credit is worth a maximum of $2,000 per qualifying child. Up to $1,400 is refundable. To be eligible for the CTC, you must have earned more than $2,500.
The National League of Cities EITC Guide can be accessed by clicking here: Earned Income Tax Credit in Cities - National League of Cities (nlc.org)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has created tax time videos for residents that can be played on tax preparation and online tax preparation, a guide to filing taxes in 2023 to help residents secure essential tax credits.
Direct Deposit Helps You Get Your Refunds Faster!
The IRS has noted that individuals who file their taxes electronically and with direct deposit will receive their refunds faster than those who do not. Connecting residents with financial institutions such as community banks and credit unions can offer individuals access to safe products such as a bank account that will allow them to receive their refund via direct deposit. Additionally, many of these partners may be able to provide additional services, such as access to credit-building products or no-fee cash advance products that will allow residents to meet their short-term needs and build long-term financial stability.
If you think you may receive a refund, here are some things to think about before you file your return:
When using direct deposit, the IRS normally issues refunds within 21 days. Issuance of paper check refunds may take much longer.
If you already have an account with a bank or credit union, make sure you have your information ready — including the account and routing number — when you file your tax return. You can provide that information on the tax form and the IRS will automatically deposit the funds into your account.
If you have a prepaid card that accepts direct deposit, you can also receive your refund on the card. Check with your prepaid card provider to get the routing and account number assigned to the card before you file your return.
Learn more about choosing the right prepaid card from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at Choose the Right Card for Your Situation | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov)
If you don’t have a bank account or prepaid card, consider opening an account or getting a prepaid card. Many banks and credit unions offer accounts with low (or no) monthly maintenance fees when you have direct deposit or maintain a minimum balance. These accounts may limit the types of fees you can incur and may also offer free access to in-network automated teller machines (ATMs). You can often open these accounts easily online.
Learn more about the FDIC’s #GetBanked campaign .
Always be on the alert for scams!
Scammers use the regular mail, telephone, or email to target individuals, businesses, and payroll and tax professionals.
The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Learn how to recognize the telltale signs of a scam and make sure you know how to tell if it’s really the IRS calling or knocking on your door.
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