Tax Help May Still Be Available

For tax filers cutting it close to tonight's midnight deadline, there’s still some help available. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Jackson resident Theresa King says for her, struggling with taxes used to be an annual routine.

“I started researching and I didn’t know what deductions were legal or not legal. I ended up either paying or being one of those folks who would send a return in and hope that I did it right.”

4 years ago King decided to get trained in tax assistance. She now works in a community center in Jackson helping people prepare their taxes through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. King sits in front of a computer and edits a few details on a return. She says this year she’s helped prepare almost 200 tax returns, around double the amount last year. She says part of that is likely due to the economy.

“People are looking for ways to save money, and a basic return as some the of the pay preparers are over 175 dollars. That will buy you a couple months of groceries for some people, pay a bill, pay a house note.”

Many tax offices like this one will be open today to help last minute filers. If working on a return at home, don’t rush and miss the details, says Dee Harris with the IRS.

“When you’re using the electronic filing software, It’s asking you questions to try and determine if they’re additional deduction and credits that you’re entitled to. Don’t rush through, don’t override the system.”

More information on tax assistance is available at IRS.gov. If the deadline is too close, King says filing an extension is a good option, she says the worst thing to do is nothing.