The tax filing deadline is coming up. Here’s who to contact in Charlotte to get help
The deadline to file your taxes is approaching, but that doesn’t mean you need to shell out big bucks to a CPA, accountant or services such as TurboTax and H&R Block.
There are multiple organizations, both local to Charlotte and nationally, that provide detailed information on how to handle your federal and state taxes and will help you prepare and file your tax return at little to no cost to you.
Some groups will also help you navigate any legal issues or disputes that arise from your taxes.
Here are some resources for helping prepare and file your taxes in the Charlotte area:
When are taxes due 2023?
“The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to file and pay tax owed is Tuesday, April 18, 2023, for most taxpayers,” per the IRS.
If you get an extension, you’ll have till October 16 to file.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide Program “provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income,” the organization explains. You do not have to be an AARP member to get help through the program.
In-person assistance is available, including in Charlotte, by appointment or through walk-ins. To get started, visit aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide.
Sites are open through April 18.
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Lawyers with the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy offer “tax controversy services to low-income taxpayers,” the organization says.
The group provides “legal representation to low-income taxpayers who have existing tax controversies with the Internal Revenue Service and, in certain instances, the North Carolina Department of Revenue.”
Additionally, it offers “tax assistance and education to individuals who speak English as a second language.”
To be eligible for assistance from the center, you must “earn less than 250% of the federal poverty standard.”
To get help, call 980-353-3530 or visit charlottelegaladvocacy.org/what-we-do/tax-disputes.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library offers helpful guides and links for navigating your federal and state taxes at cmlibrary.org/tax-information.
Many common tax forms are also available at library branches. The library recommends reaching out to your local branch to see if they have the form or forms you need.
Common Heart
Common Heart, a Union County-based nonprofit, provides “a free tax preparation service” during tax season “to households with an income of $58,000 or less.”
“Both Federal and State returns are prepared and e-filed free,” the group says. “Our volunteers are IRS trained and certified through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).”
To make an appointment, visit 1040.commonheart.org or call 704-218-9060.
“You will need to provide photo ID and Social Security cards for each person listed on the return, copy of last year’s return, W2, 1099 of any kind, statement for any kind of assistance (Child Care, Affordable Care Act (1095 A, B or C), receipt for child care, tuition assistance (1098 T), anything else from the IRS or that you may think is tax related,” the group notes.
IRS
If you have questions about your taxes, you have the option to go straight to the source for an answer.
The IRS offers an “interactive tax assistant” on its website at irs.gov/help/ita.
You can also find answers to common questions, file your taxes for free and check the status of your refund on the IRS website.
Volunteer Tax Income Assistance
Volunteer Tax Income Assistance offers “a free tax preparation service for low-income individuals and families.”
To qualify for aid, your “earned income should generally be under $60,000.”
To sign up for an appointment at one of the group’s multiple locations around Charlotte, visit communitylinknc.org/pages/vita.
Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the Community Link offices at 601 E. Fifth St., Suite 500. And walk-ins are also accepted at the Allegra Westbrook Regional Library and Sugar Creek Library on Saturdays.
You should bring with you your photo ID, Social Security card, last year’s tax return and a “voided blank check (or access to online banking information) for direct deposit of any tax refund.”
This story was originally published March 2, 2023 at 6:00 AM.
