FAQs

Dallas Community Tax Centers, a part of Foundation Communities, offers free tax preparation services to assist North Texas families reach financial stability. Since 2010, CTC has prepared more than 66,719 tax returns totaling nearly $103 million in refunds to local hardworking families. With seven locations, CTC operates approximately 85 percent of the Internal Revenue Services’ (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant Program sites in Dallas. Families and individuals with an annual household income of $54,000 or less or who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), are eligible for CTC’s services.

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS grant program designed to promote and support free tax preparation service for low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speaking. IRS awards matching grants each year to organizations that offer free tax preparation services during the tax filing season at locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Congress appropriates funding to support VITA, which dates back to 1971.

EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-to-moderate income working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.

The maximum credit* varies depending on family size and income. According to the IRS, EITC is up to the following for the 2015 tax year:

• $6,242 with three or more qualifying children
• $5,548 with two qualifying children
• $3,359 with one qualifying child
• $503 with no qualifying children]

Professional IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, along with funding from VITA and various community partners, including the City of Dallas make it possible for the Dallas Community Tax Centers to ensure that hardworking individuals and families get their maximum allowable income tax refunds without the burden of having to pay expensive tax preparation fees. In 2014, 72 percent of income tax returns were completed by IRS-certified volunteers.

No, all you have to do is locate the site nearest you online at www.DallasTaxCenters.com or by phone at 1-844-DTC-1040.

No appointment is required. All you have to do is bring your necessary documents.

You will need to bring the following:

• Photo I.D., social security cards or ITINs for each family member, income documentation, such as W-2s and 1099s, a list of cash or checks received, as well as social security, retirement and unemployment benefits.
• Paid expenses for things such as child care, business or mileage, tuition or books, student loan interest, etc.
• If you own a home or are itemizing, be sure to bring mortgage interest, property taxes, and donations to charity and receipts for out-of-pocket medical payments.
  Last year’s tax return is also helpful.

Yes, through our partners we offer child support tax education assistance, Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment assistance, financial literacy classes, $25 gift card for purchasing Savings Bonds, screening for public benefits.

If you are interested in working with CTC, contact Director Ronnie L. Daniels at ronnie.daniels@foundcom.org or by phone at 1-844-DTC-1040.

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities from tax preparers and Spanish-language translators to intake specialists or other roles that do not require tax law certification. For more information email Amber Jefferson at DallasTaxVolunteers@foundcom.org or by phone at 1-844-DTC-1040.