Tax Day is April 18 – Let us help!

The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 23, marking the start of the 2023 tax filing season.

While this time of year can be daunting, it can also present opportunities to regain control of or build on financial health.

“Tax season is a great time to take those initial steps toward getting your financial house in order. Our team of coaches is able to help individuals in that journey with budgeting, goal setting, or finding their next job,” T. Charles Howell IV, MVI’s Director of Workforce & Financial Coaching, said.

If individuals receive a return and are otherwise financially stable, all or some of that money can be used to invest in the future.

Jonathan Weaver, MVI’s Housing Counselor, helps people understand their unique financial situation and, if it’s right for them, build toward purchasing a home.

“It’s important to have a plan and share that plan with someone who will hold you accountable. Understanding your current financial health is the first step. Then, we can talk about whether you should use your return for debt reduction, savings, or homeownership. The most important thing is to have a strategy, and we can help with that.”

Several area institutions also offer free or low-cost help filing taxes. Human Services Center Mon Valley partners with the United Way’s Free Tax Prep (FTP) Coalition to help file taxes for individuals and families on a low-income or fixed budget at no cost.

To make an appointment and find other FTP locations, call 2-1-1 or visit pa211sw.org.

The tax filing deadline is April 18.