For Giselle Ortiz-Reyes helping a woman maximize her tax return in order to have money to put towards her grand-daughter's college fund was rewarding. Getting to meet different people and making a difference in their lives is what keeps her coming back to volunteer as a tax preparer for the Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition. Now in her second year volunteering for the program at WCAC, Giselle is grateful for the opportunity to use her accounting background to give back to the community.

For Fabian, who recently visited WCAC's tax preparers for the fifth year to have his tax return done, the program has a tremendous impact. "Thank you to the volunteers who are giving back with the skills they possess," he said, "allowing me a solid return to have money to give back to my church or buy t-shirts or whatever it is I need."

Another woman, who was referred to the program by WCAC's fuel assistance staff, was having her taxes done for the third straight year agreed. "This program is crucial. I'm living on a prayer. With this, I don't have to spend the $600-$700 dollars I've paid out previously to have my taxes done. Now every January-February I can breathe - I've been saved."

According to Jimmy LaMountain, a long-time employee of Saint-Gobain recruited through the United Way and now in his second year volunteering to prepare taxes at WCAC, the experience has been eye-opening. "The clients are so appreciative especially when they qualify for EITC or something else they weren't expecting," he said. "It's been very rewarding for me to provide this service."

Nicole, in her seventh year of volunteering as part of a group from UNUM, agreed. "This is my way of giving back to the community. The clients really appreciate all that we do and it keeps them from spending a fortune elsewhere. I would encourage people to take advantage of this important program," she said.

Call 508-754-1176 x234 to schedule a free tax preparation appointment at WCAC

WCAC is one of four sites offering free tax preparation services through the Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition for 2016.  IRS-certified volunteers prepare taxes and give eligible clients access to tax credits that they might be unaware of. Qualifying households with income less than $54,000 in 2015 are eligible for the free service. Close to 1,800 tax returns were successfully e-filed by the coalition in tax year 2014, with more than $2.9 million returned to the local tax community.

Appointments at WCAC are available Monday, Tuesday & Wednesdays between 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays between 9 a.m. - 12 noon. Call 508-754-1176 x234 to book an appointment or check online for additional information about the program and the other free tax preparation sites.

As winters go, the winter of 2015-16 has, thus far, been a welcomed departure from the record setting snow fall and frigid temperatures endured last year. Despite the milder weather and decreases in the cost of home heating oil, WCAC knows there are families struggling and wants to ensure they know - help is available.

The federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) targets assistance to households with the lowest incomes.  The LIHEAP is intended to help defray the cost of heat during the winter months, November 1 - April 30 of each year. Applications are accepted anytime during that timeframe.   Eligibility is based on the number of individuals who live in a household, their combined income, housing status and fuel type.