HOUSTON – As tax season ramps up, thousands of families across the Houston area are getting help filing their returns, and for many, it’s coming at no cost.
At BakerRipley’s Neighborhood Tax Centers, trained volunteers are helping residents prepare and file their income taxes for free. One of those residents is Jim Swindle, a Navy veteran who says the service has made a big difference for him.
Swindle has been coming to the tax center for the past three years and says the experience keeps him coming back.
“I’ve been coming here for the last three years, and they do an excellent job,” Swindle said while having his taxes prepared.
Swindle is one of the thousands of people in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties expected to visit one of BakerRipley’s 19 Neighborhood Tax Centers this tax season.
The centers offer free tax preparation services to individuals and families who earn $58,000 or less annually. The tax preparers are volunteers who are trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service to ensure returns are prepared accurately.
Cristina Cave with BakerRipley says the process is simple, and residents do not need an appointment.
“Show up with your paperwork, no appointment needed,” Cave said. “Make sure to bring your valid photo ID, your Social Security card. If you’re filing with an ITIN number, also bring that for you and your dependents. If you have an employer, bring your W-2s and your 1099s.”
For volunteers like Scott Oberhaus, helping people navigate tax season is rewarding.
Oberhaus has been preparing taxes with BakerRipley for about 12 years and says the service can ease financial stress for many families.
“A lot of people struggle, especially financially,” Oberhaus said. “So if I can help them with their taxes, save them money so they don’t have to pay a tax preparer — because we do this for free — that’s really important.”
Since 2009, BakerRipley says its tax program has prepared more than 560,000 tax returns, helping residents across the region receive $770 million in refunds.
Swindle says the service has earned his trust.
“Very satisfied,” he said. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else. I will be coming back next year.”
Residents interested in the free service can visit any of BakerRipley’s Neighborhood Tax Centers throughout the Houston area during tax season.