PHOENIX — With less than two weeks to go until the April 15th tax filing deadline, Valley cities are offering free tax preparation and filing services to residents who qualify. "As of right now we have $1.9-million in refunds [processed this year] and we hope to get up to $2-million," said Lauren Koll, a management assistant with Chandler's neighborhood services department.
Chandler partnered with the Mesa United Way to offer seven locations in the city-- 16 total in the area -- where residents who earn $55,000 a year or less can meet with volunteers who will help them prepare and file their tax documents. The service is known as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA.
"Even a couple hundred dollars [as a refund] ... that really helps our residents," Koll said. Other Valley cities, including Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale and Phoenix, offer similar programs.
Koll said volunteers are typically available every day except Sunday on a first-come, first-serve basis. In 2017, the program assisted nearly 1,500 people with their taxes. For a list of locations through Mesa United Way, CLICK HERE. Other program locations and hours can typically be found on a city's website.
