Free Tax Prep CLT

Tax appointments begin February 3, 2025.

Free Tax Prep CLT is a volunteer-supported program organized by Community Link. We utilize IRS training materials to ensure that volunteers are trained to maximize tax income returns for low-to-moderate income households in Charlotte. This program is available to households that generally make $67,000 or less.

Hablas español? Aprener más sobre VITA Latino.

Free 2024 tax return preparation!

(2021, 2022, 2023 tax preparation will also be available)

Who qualifies for Free Tax Prep CLT?

  • People who generally make $67,000 or less

  • Persons with disabilities; and

  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers

  • No age restriction or income limitation

  • All volunteers IRS certified to ensure the quality and accuracy of your tax return

Where to get your taxes done starting February 2025:

There is no drop-off option. You must be present and on-site during the tax return process.

  • Community Link

    • 601 East 5th Street, Charlotte, NC

    • Available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays (5:30pm - 8pm) from February 3rd through April 15th, 2025

    • No appointment necessary (first come, first serve)

    • Free parking is available in the lot next to the building. Be sure to check in with the front desk to avoid your car being towed.

  • Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library

    • 2412 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC

    • Available on Saturdays (10am to 3pm) from February 1st through April 12th, 2025

      • Site closed March 15th

    • No appointment necessary (first come, first serve)

  • West Boulevard Library

    • 2157 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC

    • Available on Saturdays (10am - 3pm) from February 1st through April 12th, 2025

    • No appointment necessary (first come, first serve)

  • Sugar Creek Library

    • 4045 N Tryon St, Suite A, Charlotte, NC

    • Available on Saturdays (10am - 3pm) from February 1st through April 12th, 2025

    • No appointment necessary (first come, first serve)

  • Chosen City Church - Steele Creek

    • Details will be posted on February 3rd, 2025

  • Goodwill

  • Levine Senior Center

    • 1050 Devore Ln, Matthews, NC

    • Available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (10am - 3pm) from February 3rd through April 15

    • Appointment required. Please call 704-846-4654 for an appointment

‍What do I need to bring to get my taxes done?

All taxpayers should bring with them:

  • 1 - U.S. or State issued photo ID for each taxpayer

  • 2 - Social Security Card (or Form SSA-1099 – social security statement) for each taxpayer and each dependent

  • 3 - Last years’ tax return

  • 4 - Voided blank check (or access to online banking information) for direct deposit of any tax refund or payment due

  • We are unable to prepare the return without items 1 and 2

Please bring any applicable 2024 tax documents:

  • Income documents – Wage statements (w-2s) , Social Security Statement), Pension and IRA distribution statements, Disability Benefits, Unemployment Benefits, refunds of state taxes, interest or dividend statements, brokerage statements for sale of stocks and bonds, Gambling winnings (including lottery),payments for contract or self-employment.   

  • Forms related to education:  Form 1098-T for your college student (please ask your child for it!)

  • Health Insurance Marketplace statement (form 1095-A) or HSA statements

  • Statement from childcare provider, including provider’s SSN or EIN

  • Forms related to sale of home, credit card debt forgiveness

  • Any receipts for purchase of eligible energy efficiency improvements

  • Any letters received from the IRS

  • Any other tax document that you believe is important to file your tax return

If you anticipate itemizing your deductions, then please bring:

  • Medical expense documentation

  • Mortgage Servicer mortgage interest and tax statement (Form 1098)

  • State and local tax, including property tax documentation

  • Charitable giving documentation– goods and cash.

If you are self-employed, please bring all income and expenses records, and a detailed log of miles driven for the business. For Uber/Lyft/DoorDash, etc. drivers, please bring your statement of account from the company.

To expedite the process: please print, complete, and bring this form with you: IRS Intake Form

‍Please note: Some situations are outside the program parameters, which will preclude us from preparing your return, including:

  • Self-employment: if your business had any employees (a spouse is not an employee) or contractors, a net loss, expenses exceeding $35,000, depreciation, a home office, or inventory.   Eligibility for the premium tax credit related to Health Insurance Marketplace while self-employed may prevent us from preparing your return.

  • Rental income or Sale of investment property, inherited residence that you did not live in or personal residence that was ever rented.

  • Sale of any virtual currency (e.g., bitcoin).

  • Electric Vehicle or Solar Tax Credits

  • If you moved from another state to North Carolina during 2024, we may not be able to complete the other state’s tax return.

  • If you sold, exchanged or otherwise disposed of a digital asset (e.g. bitcoin), we are unable to prepare the return.

  • If you are in bankruptcy, we are unable to prepare the return.

  • If any pertinent document is missing, we may be unable to prepare or complete your tax return.

What is a Tax-a-thon?
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Days

We offer two Tax-a-Thons this year where we will have a significant number of volunteers available to process tax returns. There is no appointment necessary.

On March 15, 2025 (10am - 3pm) Goodwill Tax-A-Thon at 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28208

On April 5th, 2025 (10am - 3pm) Community Link Tax-A-Thon at 601 E. 5th St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Learn more about EITC on the IRS website.