United Way Kicks off Free Tax Filing Program

United Way officials say their free tax filing service is taking place, as in the past.

But because of changes from the fiscal cliff deal on December 31st, coordinators say the returns of early tax filers will not reach the IRS until next week.

Once again the United Way is helping qualifying Texomans save money this tax season by filing them for free through its VITA or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

So after a quick ribbon cutting ceremony and the reading of a proclamation by Mayor Glenn Barham, the program officially started.

"Our forms are updated and ready to go. We're ready to assist people," says Devah School, coordinator for the United Way's VITA program.

Which is exactly what volunteers did.

But before getting here volunteers here getting certified to prepare taxes.

And one volunteer called that process very taxing.

"A lot of members of our team was very frustrated by the end of the day but we're here to obviously do a service and help those who are less fortunate," says Daniel Little, a volunteer tax preparer for the United Way.

Those, like Leola Satchel, who is grateful for this service.

"It helps a lot cause it's free and I appreciate that and they've been doing it for two years for me so I think it's wonderful," Satchel says.

But because of the down-to-the wire passage of the fiscal cliff deal, coordinators say early taxes can be prepared now but they will not be filed until January 30th.

"January 22nd is typically the date the IRS starts accepting returns but they needed some additional time to make changes due to the fiscal cliff on a lot of their forms and acceptance processes on their internal side of things," explains Scholl.

The United Way's VITA program at Sikes Senter Mall is open all day Saturdays and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Although walkins are welcomes, it is best to call 211 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. and schedule an appointment.