Tax help: Pio Decimo’s assistance program to open at 14 sites

It’s almost here—that season of the year when we get our W-2s in the mail, gather our receipts and tax documents, and face the arduous task of filing our tax returns, a process made bearable only by the hope that we’ll get something back from the tax man.
With the advent of tax season, Pio Decimo Center is preparing for another year of offering its free tax assistance to individuals and families with incomes up to $55,000 a year. Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), IRS-trained volunteers work with each individual or family and help them fill out basic income tax returns. They also help people file amended returns and resolve tax disputes or problems with the IRS. This year, Pio Decimo Center will offer the VITA program at 14 locations throughout Southern Arizona, including a new site in Safford.  Additionally, the IRS has authorized 4 “drop off” locations where people can drop their taxes off to be completed by certified volunteers who will then contact the taxpayer when the return is done to verify information and electronically file the return.  This will make it easier to serve people who are disabled, live in remote areas, or are unable to come to existing locations during the sites’ hours of operation.
Pio Decimo’s VITA program got started several years ago after the IRS approached Pio Decimo about starting a free tax assistance program. The IRS had noticed that many low-income residents of Southern Arizona were eligible for refundable tax credits, but were not claiming them. These credits, usually the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit, can add up to over $5,000 for each family.
While helping families claim the credits they are eligible for, Pio Decimo Center also encourages families to use their refunds in ways that will improve their financial situation, such as pay off debt, save, buy a car to get to work, or get more education. To that end, Pio Decimo Center offers money management and asset building classes, as well as matched savings accounts for low-income individuals and families. These accounts can double or triple the amount a family sets aside for a home purchase, education, or a business start-up.
Jose and Alicia Romero have truly benefited from Pio Decimo Center’s tax preparation services. Several years ago, a failed business, debt and a predatory loan led to the foreclosure of their home and nearly wiped out their hope of a prosperous future. But things started to turn around after they were accepted into the transitional housing program at Pio Decimo Center, where they lived for about three years. While there, they took advantage of several programs, including the VITA tax preparation services.
Getting free help with filing their taxes was a tremendous help to Jose and Alicia.  They learned that they were eligible for significant tax credits each year, which if they used wisely could help them do something they didn’t think possible—purchase a home again. They enrolled in a matched savings account, and when they received their tax refunds, they deposited much of the money into the account. With a two to one match for every dollar they saved, they were once again able to purchase a home, which is a source of peace and joy for their family after so many rough years.
Pio Decimo Center’s tax assistance is available to individuals or families with incomes up to $55,000 and will run through April 15 at most sites. There are 14 Pio Decimo sites and numerous other sites provided by community partners throughout Southern Arizona. To find out where you can go for tax assistance in your county, call the appropriate number listed below:
Pima County (520) 387-3351; (520) 622-2801, ext. 127
Santa Cruz County (520) 397-9219
Cochise County (520) 364-6789
(520) 458-2770
Graham County (928) 348-3202
Those seeking assistance should bring the following:
Picture ID and Social Security cards or ITIN cards/letters for all household members; W-2s and 1099 forms with income information; Bank account and routing numbers for direct-deposit refunds; A copy of last year’s tax return
Information on mortgage interest, property tax, and charitable payments.