As tax season unfolds, the prospect of filing taxes can seem daunting for many El Pasoans. However, the good news is that there are several free tax filing services available across different regions of El Paso. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore online self-serve tax preparation, face-to-face tax preparation options, and valuable tax credits that can benefit the community.
Online Self-Serve Tax Preparation
The Free Tax Assist program, initiated by the IRS in El Paso in 2014, offers an online self-tax preparation service at no cost for taxpayers earning $73,000 or less. Key features include:
– Taxpayers can choose their preferred online tax vendor.
– IRS-trained volunteers are available to assist with questions via phone or email.
Face-to-Face Tax Preparation (VITA Program)
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, established in 2003, provides face-to-face tax preparation assistance for free. Eligibility criteria for this program include:
– Taxpayers with incomes of $58,000 or less.
– IRS-trained volunteers conduct the tax preparation.
For those preferring face-to-face assistance, numerous VITA locations are available throughout El Paso. To find the nearest site and its hours, dial 211 for assistance.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit designed to support low- and moderate-income individuals. Key points about EITC include:
– It helps reduce the tax owed and may result in a refund.
– Qualifications involve low to moderate income and employment or business ownership with annual incomes up to $56,000.
– VITA volunteers can assess eligibility and perform a three-year lookback, potentially leading to substantial refunds.
What is EITC?
EITC stands for Earned Income Tax Credit, a beneficial program for working families. To qualify, individuals must have earned income and meet specific requirements. Importantly, taxpayers can file taxes from up to three years ago free of charge if they believe they could have qualified. In 2021, VITA helped claim $7.5 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. Consult with a VITA volunteer to determine eligibility.
Recovery Rebate Credit
Authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Recovery Rebate Credit is for eligible individuals who did not receive the full amount of the recovery rebate as an advance payment (Economic Impact Payment). Key details include:
– Claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on a 2020 Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR.
– Generally, this credit enhances tax refunds or reduces the amount of tax owed.
As tax season progresses, understanding these services and credits can empower El Pasoans to navigate the process with confidence. For further guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to local VITA volunteers who are ready to assist you.
SOUTH CENTRAL
**Chamizal Recreation Center & Library**
2119 Cypress Ave
El Paso, TX 79905
Saturdays: 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
January 28–April 15
(Closed April 8)
**El Paso Public Library Armijo Branch**
(New Mexico tax filing available)
620 E. 7th Ave
El Paso, TX 79901
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m.
February 3 – April 13
**Guillen Family Resource Center**
900 S Cotton St, El Paso, TX 79901
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Starting Tuesday, January 30th
No appointment is needed.
For information, call (915) 230-4558.
**Accepting In-Person and Drop-Off Filing**
– In-person services available at all VITA sites.
– Visit during set hours, bring documents.
– Follow directional signage to podium for assistance.
– Volunteers follow CDC precautions.
**DROP-OFF PROCESS:**
1. Walk to greeter, fill out intake form.
2. Greeter scans IDs and tax forms.
3. Contact within 48 hours for electronic signing or pick up.
**GECU VITA Supersite at Eastridge Plaza**
– 1220 Wedgewood Drive, Suite 2
– El Paso, Texas 79925
– Monday–Thursday: 5–7 p.m.
– Saturdays: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
– January 31–April 18
LOWER VALLEY
**Del Valle High School**
950 Bordeaux Dr, Room A208
El Paso, TX 79907
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
February 6 – April 11
(Closed March 4 – 15)
**Socorro High School**
10150 Alameda Ave, Room 1600
El Paso, TX 79927
Mondays & Wednesdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 19 – April 15
(Closed March 4 – 18)
**Workforce Solutions Borderplex**
8825 N Loop Dr, Suites 121 – 124
El Paso, TX 79907
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
February 3 – April 12
**Ysleta del Sur Pueblo**
Tigua Business Center
9180-B Socorro Rd
El Paso, TX 79907
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
January 29 – April 19
(Closed February 19 and March 29)
NORTHEAST
**Bowling Family YMCA**
(New Mexico tax filing available)
5509 Will Ruth Ave
El Paso, TX 79924
Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
February 5 – April 15
**GECU Neighborhood Branch℠ at Cohen & US-54**
(New Mexico tax filing available)
4521 Cohen Ave
El Paso, TX 79924
Mondays: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
February 5 – April 15
(Closed February 19)
**Irvin High School**
9465 Roanoke Dr, C Building Room 112
El Paso, TX 79904
Thursdays: 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
February 8 – April 11
(Closed March 4 – 15)
**Mi Comunidad Center**
(New Mexico tax filing available)
3506 Fillmore Ave
El Paso, TX 79930
Tuesdays: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
January 30 – April 9
EAST
**Americas High School**
12101 Pellicano Dr, Room C215
El Paso, TX 79936
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 20 – April 11
(Closed March 5 – 14)
**Bel Air High School**
731 N Yarbrough Dr, Venado Dr. Parking lot Entrance (Cafeteria)
El Paso, TX 79915
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
February 6 – April 11
(Closed March 4 – 15)
**El Dorado High School**
12401 Edgemere Blvd, Library
El Paso, TX 79938
Mondays & Wednesdays: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
February 19 – April 15
(Closed March 4 – 18)
**GECU VITA Supersite at Eastridge Plaza**
(New Mexico tax filing available)
1220 Wedgewood Dr, Suite 2
El Paso, TX 79925
Mondays – Thursdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
January 27 – April 15
Special hours for people over 65:
Thursdays: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
February 1 – April 11
(Closed February 19)
**Mission Early College High School**
10700 Gtwy Blvd E, Portable 23 & 24
El Paso, TX 79927
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 20 – April 11
(Closed March 5 – 14)
**Montwood High School**
12000 Montwood Dr, Library
El Paso, TX 79936
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 20 – April 11
(Closed March 5 – 14)
**Mountain View High School**
14964 Greg Dr, Room 207
El Paso, TX 79938
Wednesdays: 4:15 – 7:15 p.m.
January 24 – April 10
(Closed March 11 – 15)
**Pebble Hills High School**
14400 Pebble Hills Blvd, Library
El Paso, TX 79938
Mondays & Thursdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 19 – April 15
(Closed March 4 – 18)
HORIZON CITY
**Centro Comunitario Socorro Ramirez**
106 Peyton Rd
El Paso, TX 79928
Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fridays: 9:00 a.m. – noon
February 5 – April 15
(Closed February 19 and March 28 – April 1)
**Eastlake High School**
13000 Emerald Pass Ave, Room F-107
El Paso, TX 79928
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 20 – April 10
(Closed March 5 – 13)
**Horizon High School**
14651 Horizon Blvd
El Paso, TX 79928
Wednesdays: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 7 – April 10
(Closed March 6 13)
LAS CRUCES
**NMSU**
(New Mexico tax filing available)
1600 International Mall, Business Complex Room 108
Las Cruces, NM 88003
Fridays: 9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
January 26 – April 12
Foreign Scholars Dates Only: March 8, April 5 & 12
(Closed March 1, 15, 22, & 29)
