Volunteers offer free tax preparation

Matagorda County United Way staff and volunteers have joined with the Internal Revenue Service to offer free tax preparation services to local residents.

These services will be available from 2-7 p.m., March 27 at the Texana MHMR on 123 W. 1st, in El Campo.

Each volunteer received training and certification to assist individuals in promoting and offering free tax preparation in Matagorda and Wharton counties.

Earned income tax credit dollars are often missed by many low-income taxpayers.

"This is the first year we have participated in helping to bring money back into our communities," Julia Gonzales, Matagorda County United Way director, said. "We, being part of our community, need to concentrate on how to unite in building financial stability for ourselves and our communities. It is exciting to see individuals' faces when they are told how much they will be receiving from tax credit refunds they didn't know they qualified for. I'm hoping these EITC refunds will help boost more of our families' annual income level out of poverty this year."

If you wish to participate as a VITA Site and have people who need their income tax prepared please call the United Way office.

For more information on free tax preparation and on how you can apply for the IRS tax rebate call Matagorda County United Way Helpline at (979) 245-7211 or (979) 245-5852.