Trusted Nonprofits to Offer Free Expert Tax Preparation Services
Branches, United Way Miami and Univision 23 Together with 30 Local Partners Join Forces to Offer Free Tax Preparation through Miami Tax Pros
MIAMI (Jan. 27, 2022) –Just in time for the 2022 tax season, 30 local nonprofits have come together under the leadership of Branches to offer free expert tax preparation services as one group, Miami Tax Pros. In 2021, the coalition, formerly known as the Miami-Dade VITA Coalition, filed nearly 7,500 tax returns, saving Miami-Dade residents more than $2 million in tax preparation fees and ensuring refunds of more than $13 million, including nearly $3.1 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.
“The Miami Tax Pros coalition provides a critical service to thousands of working individuals and families throughout our community,” said Brent McLaughlin, President & CEO of Branches. “As families continue to navigate challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, receiving the maximum refund is more important than ever. We hope that the coalition will reach even more families this year and as a result, alleviate stress associated with tax preparation while helping families file a timely and accurate return,” continued McLaughlin. “Together we are assisting families to become more financially secure and prosperous through this needed service.”
In order to receive the maximum refund and/or benefits, taxes must be filed accurately. To ensure accuracy, Miami Tax Pros provides IRS-certified volunteers that can offer tax preparation services with electronic filing via virtual, in-person and drop off consultation methods. The group offers services in English, Spanish and Creole to best serve the needs of our diverse community and ensures taxpayers claim all appropriate tax credits, including the Advanced Child Care Tax Credit (ACTC). According to the IRS website, in January 2022, the IRS will send Letter 6419 to provide the total amount of Advance Child Care Tax Credit payments that were received in 2021. The IRS urges taxpayers receiving these letters to make sure they hold onto them to assist them in preparing their 2021 federal tax returns in 2022.
“With more than half of Miami-Dade households barely making ends meet, accessing free tax preparation services and receiving maximum refunds provides a significant financial boost to our hardworking families and our local economy,” said Vanessa Benavides, AVP of Financial Stability, United Way Miami. “We are excited to partner with Branches, Univision 23 and the IRS among others, to not only help residents prepare and file their taxes, but also offer them financial tools and resources they can utilize throughout the year,” continued Benavides.
Those who are eligible for free tax return assistance provided by Miami Tax Pros are those who speak limited or no English, have a disability, are above the age of 60 or are above the income threshold but have experienced a financial hardship. Eligible participants should call 211 or visit miamitaxpros.com for instructions on how to locate a VITA site and connect with an IRS-certified tax expert that will review and file their return electronically.
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About United Way Miami
United Way Miami is a driving force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. Since 1924, we have worked together with our network of donors, volunteers, and partners, to generate and amplify resources, and advocate for policies that improve the quality of life for all. We leverage our unique role as convener, strategic funder, service provider, awareness builder, and influencer so that everyone in Miami-Dade has access to quality education and the opportunity to lead healthy and financially secure lives — the building blocks of a thriving community.
About Branches
For over 40 years, Branches has made a positive impact in the community by delivering on its mission to serve, educate and inspire people through student, family and financial wellness services. Branches provides life-changing opportunities to working families and their children to help them break the cycle of generational poverty. We help people grow deeper and climb higher in life by building a foundation through education so they can achieve their goals and fulfill their potential.
