Laredo Tax Volunteers Save Families Thousands This Season

When two retired volunteers completed 15 tax returns on their first day, they walked away moved by the stories behind each form: veterans, disabled individuals, single parents, and elderly widows who hadn't filed in years.

The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program in Laredo is giving families more than just free tax help. It's providing relief to people who've been avoiding IRS letters they didn't understand and worrying about penalties they couldn't afford.

Luis has volunteered for over 20 years, training each new wave of helpers with expertise in everything from basic returns to complex military and international filings. His partner Aldo, who works at Catholic Charities, brings four years of experience helping families navigate their tax situations.

This year, the partnership trained 16 volunteers including five returning helpers and newcomers like university student Armando and three retired women who jumped in with both feet. Rosario and Linda's first-day experience captures the heart of the program: they didn't just file paperwork, they helped real people solve real problems.

The Ripple Effect

The impact reaches far beyond tax season. Elderly widows who received confusing IRS letters after their husbands passed away finally got answers. Some hadn't filed returns in years and were already facing late penalties when they walked through the door.

Now, multiple locations across Laredo offer this lifeline. The coalition includes 11 sites from the Azteca Economic Development Center to local high schools, making free tax help accessible throughout the community.

Catholic Charities and United Way are hosting "Super Saturday" events on February 28th and March 28th, offering extended hours for families who need weekend appointments. The volunteers can help with returns dating back to 2021, catching up anyone who's fallen behind.

The program proves that expertise paired with compassion creates something powerful. Every return filed means money back in local pockets, penalties avoided, and stress lifted from families already facing challenges.

For families in Laredo, tax season no longer means anxiety and confusion. It means calling Catholic Charities at 956.722.2443 to schedule an appointment with someone who genuinely wants to help.