Income Tax Help is on Its Way

Pasadenans will be given free assistance filing their 2013 income tax returns beginning next month through the city’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.

The Villa-Park Community Center will offer a free tax preparation service to people who make $52,000 annually or less. Appointments can be scheduled starting Monday, February 3.

Certified volunteers will provide qualified individuals with free basic income tax return preparation through electronic filing, as well as provide information about special tax credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly and Disabled.

Residents can also receive Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program to help file routine and more complex returns, including those issues relating to pensions and retirement. The program is open to all ages but gives priority to people 60 and older.

Interested parties may contact the Villa-Parke Community Center at (626) 744-6530 to schedule an appointment.

Last year the Villa-Park Community Center staff members and six volunteers participated in the income tax return program where low income residents received free tax preparation services from February 1 to April 15, with a total of 501 returns prepared and a total refund amount of $581,072 for the group.

For more information, visit http://www.cityofpasadena.net/humanservices.