Health & Fitness
Creating Assets, Savings and Hope this Tax Season
2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland provides referrals for free tax preparation services to qualified individuals.
By Kate Schultz
Tax season has arrived and a lot of us are looking forward to getting filing out of the way and maybe receiving some extra cash in April. I think we can agree that we feel better about our taxes when we know they are filed accurately by a certified professional.
For many low-income Howard County residents, professional tax prep can be costly and is not always easily accessible, especially for those with limited mobility. And trying to do our taxes ourselves may result in errors, and ultimately not receiving the highest refund possible.
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That’s why 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) works with the Maryland CASH Campaign and other programs to help low- to moderate-income residents in the Baltimore area, including Howard County, find resources for free tax preparation.
Low to moderate-income individuals and families are eligible to sign up for the service. There are many tax prep sites throughout Howard County, including sites located in senior centers, making the service more accessible to seniors and persons with disabilities.
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Henrietta is just one central Maryland resident who benefitted from the program.
Henrietta called 2-1-1 Maryland at UWCM and a call specialist helped her find free tax prep in her area and prepared her for her appointment. In a follow-up call, Henrietta said she was very pleased. She said they were prompt, everything went very well, and she even referred a friend to the program. Henrietta received a small refund in the bank in two weeks and used it to help buy food. She also commented that she volunteers her time in the community, saying “I try to give back.”
2-1-1 Maryland at UWCM is pleased to be able to offer this important service, helping families and individuals save hundreds of dollars and work toward reaching their financial goals.
To find out if you qualify for free tax preparation services, dial 2-1-1.
For more information about 2-1-1 Maryland at UWCM, visit www.uwcm.org/about211.
Author, Kate Schultz of 2-1-1 Maryland at United Way of Central Maryland is an information and referral specialist.
