United Way, IRS share free tax preparation options

February 07, 2024

An average of 56 percent of households across Northwest Louisiana are struggling to make ends meet. In response, United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA), in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), promotes the annual free tax preparation options available to the public. These programs help relieve the financial burden of tax preparation fees for thousands of local households.

Now through April 15, seven local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites will be open to the public. The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $64,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance preparing their tax returns.

Volunteer tax preparers are IRS-certified and have extensive hours of training. They are trained to do simple returns with W-2 and 1099 forms (no itemized or business taxes). Partner VITA locations include churches, community centers, independent living facilities, and more. These sites are available in Bossier City, Minden, and Shreveport.

“VITA is a simple solution to save money on a service that could cost hundreds of dollars,” said UWNWLA Vice President of Financial Stability Rashida Dawson. “We encourage residents to take advantage of this free resource and keep more of their hard-earned money. The money saved by taking advantage of the VITA program could help create asset-building opportunities for working families, such as establishing a sustainable savings.”

During the 2023 tax season, 3,997 returns were prepared, and taxpayers saved more than $1.09M in preparation fees. These free tax preparation programs issued taxpayers more than $4.63M of federal refunds through all VITA sites, including Barksdale Air Force Base, Flexible Spending Account, and the American Association of Retired Persons.

If qualifying residents prefer to file their own taxes, they can also use MyFreeTaxes.com. MyFreeTaxes.com is a safe, easy, and free way for taxpayers to file federal and state taxes. United Way has partnered with TaxSlayer, which powers MyFreeTaxes.com, to help people easily and accurately file their taxes online.

The following locations will operate as VITA sites during the 2024 tax season. Most sites are by appointment only, so please call ahead for hours of operation and to set up an appointment.

2024 VITA Locations 

Barksdale Air Force Base – MILITARY

(Priority for Active Duty)

2nd Bomb Wing Tax Center, Barksdale AFB 71110

318-456-4765

Appointment Only

Caddo Community Action Agency – David Raines

1625 David Raines Road, Shreveport, LA 71107

318-425-2401

Appointment Only

Caddo Community Action Agency – St. Vincent

4055 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport, LA  71108

318-861-4808

Appointment Only

Creighton Hill VITA Site

510 High Street, Minden, LA 71055

318-949-5768

Appointment Only

Highland Center Ministries VITA Site  

520 Olive Street, Shreveport, LA  71104

318-673-8440

Open: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church VITA Site

Operated by: Sadies Arms, Inc.

5340 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71109

318-426-7382

Appointment Only

New Horizons Independent Living Center

1701 North Market, Shreveport, LA 71107

318-671-8131

Appointment Only

Free tax preparation - Shreveport Bossier