Free Tax Preparation Centers are Now Open

United Way is proud to make free tax preparation available to hardworking families in our community. Our 16 free tax preparation locations are now open!

This marks the fourth year of United Way of Greater Houston’s investment in free tax preparation at Neighborhood Tax Centers across Houston. Services tailored to hard-working, lower-income families help them keep more of the money they've earned and build a stronger financial future.

Last year, hundreds of volunteers helped 28,000 Houston-area families claim more than $37 million in refunds. In married households, the average tax refund was $2,365. In single-parent households, the average refund was $3,156.

Neighborhood Tax Centers is a key component of United Way THRIVE, a collaborative effort launched and led by United Way of Greater Houston, designed to help low-income, working families achieve what every family wants: good jobs with good wages, safe and affordable housing, financial security and success for their children.

“Neighborhood Tax Centers are a vital part of United Way's strategy to help families become financially stable through United Way THRIVE,” says Stefanie Lopez, manager, Community Investment, United Way of Greater Houston. “We know that increased income is the greatest need among hard-working low-income families in our community. For these families, receiving the full tax refund they have earned can be life-changing. We also see free tax preparation as a gateway to services like job training and financial coaching that promote long-term stability and financial independence.”

Free tax preparation services are available to families who earn less than $50,000 a year and individuals with annual incomes of less than $30,000. Families and individuals who have experienced a change in circumstances, such as job loss, may also qualify.

This free service has a significant economic impact on families by helping them claim the Earned Income Credit and Child Tax Credit, which they earn but often do not know about or pay high fees to commercial tax preparers to claim. During the 2011 tax season, free tax preparation helped Houston-area families claim more than $14 million in Earned Income Credits, a 20 percent increase over 2010. Nationally, the Earned Income Tax Credit lifts more families out of poverty each year than any other program.

This year, 16 Neighborhood Tax Centers will operate throughout the Greater Houston area, including the Bay Area. United Way of Greater Houston is proud to partner with Neighborhood Centers, Inc. to provide this important service to local families. We hope you will help us spread the word about Neighborhood Tax Centers to your friends, family, and others in the community.

For tax center locations and more information, view the flier or call the 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. Just dial 2-1-1!