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Financial Flash Newsletter

OnTrack's Free Tax Prep Program Begins its Fourth Season

In 2009, OnTrack's free tax program helped 503 working families in WNC complete their taxes for free.  Now, OnTrack's 2010 tax season is in full swing.

2009 Program Highlights:

  • Clients received $612,895 in tax refunds.
  • 147 low-income earners received $210,495 Earned Income Tax Credit.
  • OnTrack saved filers an estimated $100,600 that might have been spent on tax preparation fees.

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"I used to pay too much for tax prep and didn't get much money back.

Now, with OnTrack's free tax prep, I know that I get all of the money I deserve and they are willing to explain things I don't understand."

-Miaisha Wadsworth, Tax Prep Client, with her sons (L-R) Alize, Savon, & Riamello

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OnTrack's free tax prep program focuses on outreach to families in Buncombe, Haywood, Madison, Transylvania, and McDowell Counties, but is open to anyone in our western NC service area.

"Before going to OnTrack, I had no experience doing my taxes. Being in the office that day resolved many unanswered questions and gave me a new knowledge of how to file taxes. I was amazed at the treatment and quality of service I received from the tax preparers," commented Rachel Blattner, 2009 tax client.

OnTrack's program provides free, fast, and accurate e-filing for households earning less than $43,000. Clients may be eligible for up to $5,657 of Earned Income Tax Credit.

How does OnTrack provide this important service for free?  It because of  grant support from The Community Foundation of WNC; EITC Carolinas; The City of Asheville (CDBG) and the United Way of Asheville-Buncombe County and our 2010 project sponsor Dixon Hughes, PLLC.

In addition to providing free tax preparation for low-income households, OnTrack also offers financial services ranging from budget counseling and debt management to homebuyer education," commented Celeste Collins, OnTrack Executive Director. "When a client discovers they will be receiving a tax refund, we can assist them in planning how to spend their refund wisely; if there is a tax payment due, we can help evaluate their budget to meet their taxes and other financial obligations."

To make an appointment for free tax preparation, call the OnTrack office at 828-255-5166 or 1-800-737-5485. For a comprehensive list of free tax preparation and walk-in sites, call the United Way's 2-1-1 service by dialing 2-1-1 on a cell phone or land line.

United Way NFCC Council on Accreditation