Free tax help if you make under $54k

DAYTON — If you need help with your taxes, you may qualify for free tax help from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, or VITA.

VITA, in partnership with the United Way and the city of Dayton, offers free tax prep services at 14 locations in and around Dayton.

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Tax preparer Ravenia Jordan and two other volunteers were busy today helping people file their taxes at the Northwest branch of the Dayton Public Library.

Last year, they provided services for 700 people, Jordan said.

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“Every person here is IRS certified every single year, so with the different tax law changed we are on top of it,” said Jordan.

The free tax help is available for people making under $54,000 a year, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those who speak limited English.

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Some locations, like the library, offer walk-in services, others are by appointment only.

This is the second year Cheryl Williams has had her taxes done for free.

“It really helps because I used to do my tax returns myself, but I thought I’d try this way just to make sure everything was right,” said Williams.

But, she said the wait in line can be too long for the elderly and disabled.

“These ladies do an outstanding job, but they do need some more volunteers and I think if they had at least two more it would really help out with the waits,” Williams said.

Jordan said there is a need for more volunteers. To find out how you can help, call the United Way at 937-913-2000.

This Saturday is Empowerment Saturday at the Montgomery County Job Center and tax prep volunteers will be on hand from 9am- 2pm to help taxpayers by appointment or walk-in.