Free tax help options in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Once again it is tax season in the United States. While you have until April 17 to get your tax return submitted to the IRS, the sooner you file, the sooner you will see your return. Despite the monetary incentive, filing taxes is no walk in the park. It can be complicated and confusing, and with the economy still struggling, many people in Texas are trying to save money by doing their own taxes.

These people and others may be happy to know that there are several organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that offer free tax preparation services, including e-filing and refund loans. Help has become even more accessible this year as several Wal-Mart supercenters in Texas will team up with H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt to offer free 1040EZ preparation.

People who make less than $50,000 annually have the option of seeking help from Catholic Charities, which has a mobile team and 10 locations across the area that provide free tax help. AARP will provide help for people who file taxes with more complicated forms. They will be offering services at local libraries beginning this Saturday.

While there are several local organizations offering help to tax payers, the IRS also allows for free online tax filing and preparation. Fourteen tax software companies are part of the IRS Free File program. While these sites are limited to those who make $57,000 or less per year, each tax preparer has its own restrictions and requirements concerning eligibility. Some of the providers include H&R Block and TurboTax.

Dallas and Fort Worth residents who need help filing tax returns may want to refer to some of these free resources. It is important to note that tax forms are no longer mailed by the IRS. All forms are available online at IRS.gov.

Source: Star-Telegram, “Plenty of opportunities in DFW for free help with taxes,” Teresa Music, Jan. 20, 2012