Henderson Libraries, HopeLink offer free tax help

For those in a financial bind, every dollar earned back from filing taxes could be the difference between feast and famine.

"It all goes back to the economy," said Joan Vaughan, manager of the Paseo Verde Library. "I am no accountant. I want to make sure I am doing it right. Last year, I did my own taxes because I thought it would be simple. I missed a tax credit."

Vaughan describes taxes as a "choose-your-own-adventure book" where outcomes can be different.

But taxpayers don't have to take the adventure alone, thanks to some of the free services being offered.

Henderson Libraries, in partnership with AARP, has volunteers at the Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway, and the Paseo Verde Library, 280 S. Green Valley Parkway, to help with taxes.

"We anticipate over 300 appointments at the Paseo Verde Library," Vaughan said.

Vaughan said the Green Valley Library, which schedules appointments every half hour, could see more than 1,300 people this tax season.

People do not have to be a member of AARP to get tax help. Vaughan said there are no age or income requirements to take advantage of the service.

"Ideally, it is for people who don't have the means to get help," Vaughan said. HopeLink, a nonprofit that helps low-income families, is offering the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Grant program at its Henderson location, 178 Westminster Way.

"We are the only place in Henderson offering the VITA program," said Kathleen Matson, board secretary of HopeLink. "The program was developed in the early '90s to help low-income taxpayers who couldn't afford to get someone to prepare their returns."

Both HopeLink and Henderson Libraries are by appointment only.

Taxpayers who make less than $50,000 can qualify to have one of HopeLink's volunteers do their return .

"A lot of people are in this income level," Matson said.

Tax season can be a dreaded time for people.

"Dealing with any kind of money can be daunting," Vaughan said. "You don't want to make a mistake."

Because of this added anxiety, Vaughan hopes people use the free service.

"People often call up to see how much it will cost and are surprised when we tell them it is free," Vaughan said.

Not only are the services free, but people also find out there are tax breaks that they often are unaware of.

"People don't come in because they think they might only get a little back," Matson said.

Matson said that last year, a single mother of three making little easily could have seen a tax break of $4,000 or $5,000 from the IRS.

"The person doesn't have to have children," Matson said about receiving credits.

As of early March, HopeLink has helped 196 people file their tax returns and receive $337,040 back. Of that money , $100,826 has been from tax breaks such as child tax credits, which has had $13,250 in credits, and education credits, which has had $70,204.

Vaughan said other tax breaks people might not be aware of are credits for new homeowners.

HopeLink's program has been full. There are 12 volunteers working to help people file.

Additionally, HopeLink and Henderson Libraries are helping people file back taxes.

With April 15 rolling around the corner, people have less than two weeks to file.

When coming to file, people must have identification such as a driver's license or Social Security card, W2 forms and other pertinent information . .

To set up an appointment with Henderson Libraries, call 207-4261.

To reach HopeLink, call 566-0576.

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.