Tax Preparation Information

As W-2s and other income tax forms make their way to your mailboxes, NeighborWorks America advises taxpayers to be aware of the real cost of quick refund services that are being offered in today’s market.

According to research done by several consumer rights organizations, the real interest cost of a quick refund loan can easily exceed 50 percent on an annualized basis or even more.

Tax payers should seek the advice of a trained tax preparer, particularly now because of recent changes to the tax code for mortgages, including the availability of tax credits for qualified first-time homebuyers. As always, it’s important to see a professional who can help you determine if you are eligible for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

• See NeighborWorks America's First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Quick Reference Guide
• Some NeighborWorks Organizations offer free tax preparation services for low- and moderate income families:

  • Argenta (Arkansas) Community Development Corp, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. E-mail taxprep@argentacdc.org or call 501-374-0622

  • Foundation Communities Free Community Tax Centers in Austin,Texas

  • Housing Partnership, Inc. (Riviera Beach, FL). Call 561-841-8500

  • NeighborWorks Waco (Texas) Free Tax Preparation Services
  • Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (MD): call (410) 327-1200, ext. 160.

  • Orlando (Florida) Neighborhood Improvement Corp. Call: 407-648-1623

  • Resources for Residents and Communities (Atlanta, GA). Call 404-525-4130 or e-mail rrcatlanta@rrc-atl.org

  • Use NeighborWorks Look-up to find other NeighborWorks Organizations that may offer free tax services

More Resources

• Free File through the IRS
• IRS Tax Withholding Calculator
• IRS Tutorial on Understanding Taxes
• Tax Tips for Homeowners
• Filing Your Taxes
• FDIC Encourages Taxpayers to Take Advantage of IRS Programs and Save More of Their Refunds