Laredo ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) student volunteers from Martin, Nixon, and Cigarroa High Schools, who are IRS certified, will be providing free tax preparation for citizens filing their 2024 income tax returns in association with the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
Laredo ISD IRS-certified volunteers, in partnership with the Laredo Family Economic Success Coalition, are preparing income tax returns for free for those with qualifying incomes up to $59,000. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
LISD CTE students, under the supervision of their Financial Analysis teachers, will process and accept tax returns at Martin, Nixon, and Cigarroa High Schools. Citizens needing assistance can visit:
· Martin High School Room B223 in the B Building, 2002 San Bernardo Ave., Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Walk-ins only.
· Nixon High School Library, 2000 Plum St., Monday and Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Walk-ins only.
· Cigarroa High School Multi-purpose room 2nd floor, 2600 Zacatecas St., Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Drop off and by appointment only.
LISD high school seniors along with other VITA volunteers are assisting the community members complete their taxes for the 2024 tax year.
For the second year in a row, Nixon High School senior Abigail Lopez is lending a helping hand to community members in need of tax assistance.
“I really enjoyed the experience last year. Being able to grow with something I was very unfamiliar with I was able to gain more knowledge,” said Lopez. “It feels really good to help out our community members because some of the tax places in the community take advantage of people. So being able to provide the knowledge I have to them It makes me feel I’m doing something good.”
Tax preparation will be offered through April 15, at LISD’s high schools. To set an appointment contact Norma Liendo, VITA Site Coordinator at Martin High School at 273-7123, Elvia Boyles, VITA Site Coordinator at Nixon High School at 273-7595, and Diana Cantu, VITA Site Coordinator at Cigarroa High School at 273-6857.
“The VITA Program has been a great learning opportunity for our students who have gained valuable skills to prepare themselves for future career opportunities. LISD CTE students have been certified to process and file electronic tax returns which allows them to give back to our community,” said Oscar Ramirez, LISD Career and Technical Education Coordinator. “The student volunteers are all certified, well trained, and know the tax laws.”
IRS certified students will be able to prepare Form 1040 for income tax returns for 2024. Tax filers will need to bring all required documents and information including W-2 and 1099 forms, information for other income, information for all deductions/credits, a copy of last year’s tax return, proof of account for direct deposit of refund, Social Security or Individual Taxpayer notices for filer, spouse, and/or dependent, proof of identification for filer and/or spouse, total paid to daycare provider and their tax ID number, birth date for filer, spouse and/or dependents on the return, proof of foreign status if applying for ITIN, and forms 1095-A, B, or C (ACA statement).
VITA Services at LISD will not be available on February 20, and March 10-14 due to district holidays.
During the 2024 tax season, LISD VITA volunteers processed 601 tax returns resulting in $986,595.00 in refunds to the local community.
LISD is a part of the Laredo Family Economic Success Coalition (LFESC), which is a voluntary partnership with the IRS, government, public and private organizations in support of the economic development and financial well-being of the community. Some of the partners include but is not limited to Azteca Economic Development & Preservation Corp., HEB, Goodwill, IRS, IBC, LISD, City of Laredo Public Library, TAMIU, Laredo College, and Workforce Solutions for South Texas.