(Shreveport, LA) – An average of 55 percent of households across Northwest Louisiana are struggling to make ends meet. In response, United Way of Northwest Louisiana, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, promotes the annual free tax preparation options available to the public. These programs, sponsored in part by Capital One, help relieve the financial burden of tax preparation fees for thousands of local households.

Now through April, nine local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites will be open to the public. To qualify for free tax filing through the VITA program, individuals must earn less than $58,000. Volunteer tax preparers are IRS certified with extensive hours of training. They are trained to do simple returns with W-2 and 1099 forms (no itemized or business taxes).

“VITA is a simple solution to save money on a service that could cost hundreds of dollars,” said UWNWLA Vice President of Financial Stability, Rashida Dawson. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this free resource and keep more of their hard-earned money. The money saved by taking advantage of the VITA program could help create asset-building opportunities for working families such as establishing a sustainable savings.” During the 2021 tax season, 4,322 returns were completed, and taxpayers saved $1,188,550 in preparation fees. In total, these free tax preparation programs issued $3,521,376 of federal refunds to taxpayers.

VITA locations include churches, community centers, independent living facilities, and more. These sites are available in Bossier City, Coushatta, Minden, and Shreveport. There are designated sites for AARP members, active military, and a Spanish-speaking interpreter is available upon request.

If qualifying residents prefer to file their own state and federal taxes, MyFreeTaxes.com offers free filing software online. United Way has partnered with TaxSlayer, which powers MyFreeTaxes.com, to help people easily and accurately file their state and federal taxes online. MyFreeTaxes.com is a safe, easy, and free way to file for taxpayers. This software is available across the United States.

The following locations will operate as a VITA site during the 2022 tax season. Masks are required at all locations, and some will require temperature checks. All sites are by appointment only, so please call ahead for hours of operation and to set up an appointment:

2022 VITA LOCATIONS

Now through April

 

Caddo Community Action Agency – David Raines

1625 David Raines Road, Shreveport, LA 71107

318-425-2401

 

Caddo Community Action Agency – St. Vincent

4055 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71108

318-861-4808

 

Caddo Community Action Agency – Lakeside

1729 Ford Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

318-222-2436

 

Creighton Hill – Great St. Paul Baptist Church

510 High Street, Minden, LA 71055

318-949-5768

 

Highland Center Ministries – Highland Center

520 Olive Street, Shreveport, LA 71104

318-673-8440

 

Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church – Sadie’s Arms, Inc.

5340 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71109

318-426-7382

 

New Horizons Independent Living Center

1701 North Market, Shreveport, LA 71107

318-671-8131

 

Southern Hills Recreation Center – AARP

1002 W. Bert Kouns Ind. Loop Shreveport, LA 71118

318-734-8001

 

Barksdale Air Force Base – ACTIVE MILITARY

2nd Bomb Wing Tax Center

Barksdale AFB, LA 71110

318-456-4765

 

For the sites listed below, YOU prepare your federal & state return. Gross income must be under $73,000. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment. Computer, printer, Wi-Fi, & tax coach are provided free of charge.

 

Red River Council on Aging

1825 Front Street, Coushatta, LA 71019

318-932-5721

 

Baptist Bible Fellowship

8900 Kingston Road, Shreveport, LA 71118

318-687-9885

 

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