For the 2019 tax filing season, Laredo Family Economic Success Coalition’s (LFESC) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program prepared 5,925 federal tax returns, 178 prior year federal tax returns, and 85 income tax amendments. VITA helped local families claim a total of $11,073,231 in tax refunds, which included $4,847,708 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC). The program provided south Texas residents with free tax preparation services at 17 different sites across the City of Laredo and one in Zapata County.
The VITA program is a vital part of the broader mission of the Laredo Family Economic Success Coalition, which is to make a positive difference in the lives of low to moderate-income families and individuals by assisting them in becoming financially stable and self-sufficient. As part of that effort, the Coalition’s IRS-certified volunteers prepare income taxes for free for those with qualifying incomes up to $66,000. At VITA sites, taxpayers keep 100% of the federal refund to which they are entitled under the law. VITA’s tax preparation services are always free.
The success of the VITA program each year depends entirely on the volunteers that donate their time to become IRS-certified in tax law and prepare taxes in the community. This year a total of 173 volunteers drawn from many walks of life —high school students, college students, and many other local residents —volunteered a combined total of over 7,000 hours to meet the tax preparation needs of Laredo and surrounding communities.
“Tax seasons have a pattern to them,” noted LFESC Chair Dr. Jack Byham of Texas A&M International University, “but each season brings its own challenges and we try to meet them in new and innovative ways. We work closely with the IRS, and we are proud of our growing ability to serve the Laredo community. We owe IBC and HEB gratitude and recognition for their financial support, and we are grateful to the IRS for its guidance before, during, and after the tax season. Through the combined efforts of many, we succeed together.” Though the 2018 tax season is over, LFESC’s VITA volunteers will continue to offer help to clients who are still looking to file taxes or amendments in two locations: Azteca Economic Development and Preservation Corporation (20 Iturbide, Laredo, 78040) and the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library (1120 Calton, Laredo, 78041). Services are available by appointment until October 15, 2019. Interested persons should call (956) 307-8138 to set up an appointment.
