Goodwill VITA Program Offers Free Tax Preparation Services

We’re 66 days away from the tax deadline. And to help people out, Goodwill of Michiana has free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Spread across seven locations in St. Joseph and Elkhart County, volunteers are trained to assist those with a household income of less than $64,000 per year, who are eligible for this service.

Volunteers are trained to provide free basic income tax returns. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.

Goodwill Mission Services Director Ja’Liza Prophet says security is a number one priority as they wanted to provide the best quality service.

“The individuals doing the taxes, they have full knowledge. They are prepared to do the taxes. Sometimes people may go on Turbo Tax and do their own taxes and things like that. But our volunteers specialize in preparing the taxes through the federal government. So, no worries here,” Prophet said.

Prophet advises anyone interested to book appointments now because they’re filling up quickly.

“Within our Goodwill, our mission is to help individuals with live their most abundant life. If we can take away that $200-$300 or more additional costs that they will have to pay or taxes, they’re able to utilize those funds in other areas in their life. It could be on a vacation, it could be to take themselves out to lunch, whatever that means for that individual,” Prophet said.

For more information, click here.