With the arrival of the tax season, several organizations are offering free services throughout the Chattanooga area.
The Urban League of Chattanooga in partnership with the IRS, United Way of Chattanooga and Tennessee Saves and Alexian Brothers Senior Ministries in partnership with volunteers from the AARP and the IRS, are offering services through April.
“In 2010 we hope to help a larger number of people file their taxes and earn returns, while at the same time arming them with money management tools for the future,” said Warren Logan, president of Urban League of Greater Chattanooga.
The league will have 13 sites in Hamilton and Bradley counties while Alexian Brothers will have two and focus on helping seniors.
“It’s important for seniors to come to a place where they feel comfortable,” said Dawn Weber, executive director of Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors.
The ministry handles all returns with the exception of rental and estate transactions, Ms. Weber said. This year, they will assist with foreclosures for the first time.
David Kling, site coordinator at Senior Neighbors on Newby Street, said he began as a volunteer 10 years ago to help seniors intimidated by the process of filing federal tax forms.
“It’s a real enjoyment to have people appreciate what you do and it’s sobering to see how many people get by on so little, yet give so much to charity,” he said.
Both the Urban League and Alexian Brothers are using trained and certified volunteers from the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which offers free tax services to the elderly, those with low-income and who speak limited English.
One senior who visits Alexian Brothers said she plans on using the service.
“Being a senior and the way the economy is, it’s great to have a free service with someone you can trust,” said Bobi Sue Roberts.
Dr. John Hayes, director of the United Way’s Building Stable Lives and 2-1-1 Call Center, said the program is an effort to simultaneously help the local economy and residents.
“Despite the increase in money brought into Hamilton County in 2009 by this program as much as $2 million was still unclaimed. We want to bring more of this money into our community and help tax filers to build a financially stable life for themselves and their families.”