Vegas Volunteers Offer Free Tax Help to Latino Families

Tax season doesn't have to mean stress and worry, thanks to volunteers in Las Vegas who are making sure Latino families get the help they need.

Southern Nevada Tax Assistance is offering free tax filing support through IRS-certified volunteers this season. The nonprofit Somos Votantes organized a community event this week to connect families with trusted help at no cost.

The timing matters more than ever. Organizers say they're noticing something new this year: more families are hesitant about who to trust when filing their taxes.

That caution isn't misplaced. Connie Buckley, founder of Nevada Tax Assistance, says scammers called "ghost preparers" target people every year, especially those whose first language isn't English or who aren't familiar with the filing process.

"They create fraudulent tax returns," Buckley said. "People don't know what to expect on their taxes, so they don't know that it's wrong." The problems often don't surface until years later when the IRS sends a letter flagging issues.

Some families worry about sharing personal information when filing. Buckley reassures them that employers already send W-2s and 1099s directly to the IRS, which expects to see matching tax returns.

Not filing creates bigger problems down the road. "If you owe taxes, there are a lot of penalties that they will assess against you," Buckley explained. "Now you've got yourself into an even bigger hole than you would have been in if you just filed your taxes when they were due."

The Ripple Effect

When families can file safely with people they trust, the benefits spread throughout the community. Angel Lazcano from Somos Votantes says connecting families with certified volunteers removes a major source of annual stress that many have experienced for years.

One volunteer who grew up in the community remembers hearing about tax season anxiety firsthand. "Personally, growing up, I've always heard how stressful it is around this time of year, especially getting closer and closer to tax day," they said.

The free services are available across the Las Vegas Valley for anyone who needs them. Organizers emphasize that filing taxes safely remains important regardless of a person's status, and certified volunteers stand ready to help families do it right.

These volunteers are turning tax season from a time of worry into an opportunity for community support.