United Way’s tax clinic is now open

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Tax season is here and today is the first day to file your taxes. A community organization is offering a free tax clinic to Muskingum County residents. 

The tax clinic is offered by the United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties. Becky Clawson, the Community Impact Director, said every Tuesday during tax season is Tax Tuesday. Residents can call and schedule an appointment at either Colony Square Mall or the Zanesville Metropolitan Housing Authority.

“All you need to do is simply call 211 and get that appointment and they’ll walk you through everything you need in just a couple of minutes. It’s just a really simple process. And then we’ll make your appointment.”

Once you call a volunteer will then see if the individual meets the guidelines for the program.

“If you are filing jointly with your married spouse, you have to make less than $95,000 a year. If you’re filing single, it’s $65,000 a year. So those guidelines are quite high for a free program so we want to make sure people realize that even though you’re working and making a decent living you still qualify to have this free service.”

Clawson said this service is really beneficial to residents and helps them save money.

“This free service means that people can keep this money in their pocket to start a savings account, pay bills, buy groceries, those necessities. So it’s really helping people make ends meet where before they would’ve been paying possibly several hundred dollars to have this service done.”

Clawson said the organization calls individuals two days prior to their appointment to remind them what to bring. The appointments typically last 30 to 45 minutes. Clawson said the program wouldn’t be possible without volunteers and there’s still time if someone is interested in helping out.

“We are still in need of some volunteers for the tax program. So if this is something that speaks to you please reach out to us. We offer training, we offer support, there’s always going to be a seasoned volunteer next to you at the clinic at another table. So we would never leave you on your own.”

Clawson said individuals will need to bring information to their appointment including their adjusted gross income for the previous year, their drivers license, and their w2’s. Individuals not eligible for the program include anyone that is part of the clergy and individuals with farm income, rental income, or small business income. You can call 211 or 1-800-544-1601 to schedule an appointment.