UNION COUNTY, N.C. — With tax season right around the corner, many are asking "Where's the money". As challenging as filing taxes can be, some organizations are trying to help. Volunteers with the nonprofit Common Heart in Indian Trail are gearing up to help ease the stress for people this tax season.
“It's doing a service that's badly needed," said Bruce Gorrell, who has been volunteering with Common Heart for years.
There are a lot of layers when filing that can make the process overwhelming. Factors like the Earned Income Tax Credit can help people with lower incomes, but many aren’t aware of it. That’s why Common Heart wants to help people realize there’s money they can get back.
“With the Earned Income Tax Credit and a refundable tax credit, that means that you'll get a lot more of that back," Gorrell noted.
Starting on February 1, Common Heart is offering free tax help to those who have an annual household income of $64,000 or less. Just last year they made a huge impact by helping file 720 income tax returns. That resulted in refunds totaling $743,684 and an average return of $1,433.
Chris Macklin is just one person who has benefited from that help.
“They help you find things that you don't even really think about when looking for deductions, and the overall experience was just awesome," he said.
Community Engagement Leader Kara Lopp says their community approach is a different feel than what someone would get at a tax company.
“Just make it a very different experience than what they would get going to somewhere where they have to pay," she said. "We want them to feel welcome and cared for and just make it a great experience and hopefully get them some money back.”
Macklin encourages anyone who needs help in filing their taxes to schedule an appointment with Common Heart as soon as possible.
“Reach out, ask questions. They're always there to help. They're always there to answer your questions," he said. "And instead of paying someone to do your taxes, they're volunteering to do your taxes. They're doing it out of the kindness of their heart, and they have no vested interest. So they're really just looking out for you and your family."
The IRS will begin accepting returns on January 29. You have until April 15th to file your taxes.
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