It’s tax season again, meaning many households are stressed with navigating confusing paperwork before the April 15 filing deadline.
For households with a yearly income less than $51,000, the Samaritan Center is here to help. The center is partnering with Southern Adventist University students, the IRS and the Urban League of Chattanooga to offer free tax return assistance.
Eligible households can take advantage of the service from Jan. 30 until Feb. 28. People should call 236-2751 to schedule an appointment before coming to the Samaritan Center, at 9231 Old Lee Highway, to have their taxes done.
While this is the first time the center has offered the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, it will no doubt help a number of people who utilize the Samaritan Center’s other services, said Marketing Director Marcella Morales. VITA is sponsored in 14 different locations in the area.
“These students are trained in the VITA tax program and will be able to help so many people,” Morales said. “So many can’t pay to have it done [their taxes professionally prepared], so they may do it incorrectly or not get as much money back as they could have if they had someone informed to help them file.”