(Reading) – After months of searching for a new online tax portal, Centro Hispano will once again provide free, in-person tax preparation for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families in the Greater Reading community. With our staff of bilingual professionals we are able to help both English and Spanish speaking tax filers with a program that ensures that low-income residents can maximize their refund.
Over the last five years, through the support of the United Way of Berks County, thousands of people have been assisted by the Centro Hispano in having their taxes prepared. Appointments are being scheduled now with special evening and weekend hours on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the remainder of the tax season.
“This program is about more than just helping people prepare their taxes,” said Michael Toledo, President and CEO of the Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Inc. “Many of our families are living in financial crisis. It’s an opportunity for families to make sure they get back dollars they have earned throughout the year. That money helps with needs like food, transportation, and utilities.” Toledo went on to state, “Earlier this year, the tax portal that was being used by Centro Hispano shut down, and we began its search for a new access point to serve our clients. Thanks to the United Way’s support, a tax portal became available to allow Centro to continue its free service.”
Many families who we help are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. Taxpayers who qualify for and claim the credit could pay less federal tax, or no tax, and get a refund of up to $6,660.
Free online tax assistance is available for individuals and families with a total annual income of up to $66,000. April 15, 2020 is the tax filing deadline.
Appointments for free tax preparation are required and can be made by calling the Centro Hispano at 610-685-1283 or 610-685-1281.
