Arlington Volunteers Save Residents $300+ on Tax Prep

When Justin Le filed his taxes this year, someone explained every single step to him out loud. For the 26-year-old Arlington resident who is blind, that patience made all the difference.

Le used the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for the first time this year after years of stress with TurboTax. He never knew if he was doing everything right and worried about being audited. A Google search led him to the FC Shadow Brook VITA Community Tax Center, where volunteers helped him discover tax credits he didn't even know existed.

"The wealth and knowledge that they have about our situations, it's just great, especially with people with disabilities," Le said. "It'll be great for the disabled community."

The free program, run by the IRS for over 50 years and facilitated locally by United Way of Tarrant County, serves people who make $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and those who speak limited English. About 125 volunteers in the area help prepare returns during tax season.

The financial impact is significant. Getting taxes done professionally typically costs between $300 and $600 for a basic return. "Where they would pay a fee to get their taxes prepared, that's money that they can keep within their household," said Pennie Clayton, the program manager who has volunteered for 14 years.

Patrick Jannes, an accounting student and volunteer, sees another barrier the program breaks down. Many clients are older and didn't grow up with computers, he explained. The volunteers bridge that technology gap with patience and clear explanations.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond saving money, the program restores something harder to measure: confidence. Le no longer worries about making costly mistakes or facing an audit. He understands his return and feels empowered about his financial future.

Clayton has watched this transformation happen thousands of times over her 14 years with the program. "Every year, the satisfaction is there knowing that we're serving others, we're giving back," she said.

For Jannes, helping strangers without expecting anything in return sends a powerful message. "It lets you know that there are people out there who care and who just want to help out," he said.

Residents can find in-person or virtual tax help locations using the program's online locator tool or by calling 211, and walk-ins are welcome at many locations through April 15.