Help for ‘fear of filing’

Filing your taxes can be onerous, bewildering and scary. Central Health and Foundation Communities are trying to make the process less stressful for Travis County residents who may not have the resources to hand the whole mess off to someone else. As Central Health President and CEO Mike Geeslin said in a news release, “Filing federal income taxes can be confusing and intimidating for all of us. But for people juggling jobs, family, school and other priorities – and perhaps who don’t fluently speak English or understand income tax requirements – the burden of filing taxes can be downright frightening. We want to remove the fear to file.” The solution? The Community Tax Center, which offers expert tax preparation assistance, free of charge, from now until Tax Day, April 15. You are eligible for their services if you earn less than $55,000 a year (income eligibility increases for families of four or more). According to the press release, “All volunteers are IRS-certified and trained to help residents prepare and file taxes, and answer questions to ensure clients receive every eligible tax credit and deduction.” Services are available in Spanish, English and ASL. Bring your photo ID, Social Security card, W-2, and proof of health insurance. Appointments are on a walk-in basis. The center is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 1-8 p.m. Wednesdays; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays. Central Health Southeast Health and Wellness Center, 2901 Montopolis Drive. Find more info on the schedule and other locations here.