Community Tax Aid (founded in 1987) believes that all taxpayers deserve the opportunity to file accurate, timely tax returns. 

Community Tax Aid, Inc. (CTA) serves low-income families in the offers tax preparation services at absolutely no charge to low-income families in the Washington, DC area.  

Nationally, fewer than 1% of low income taxpayers receive free assistance. If the metropolitan DC area lost its free tax services, the average low-income family would have to pay an average of $268 to have their returns prepared. In many cases, taxpayers who cannot afford a paid preparer, and who are ill-equipped to file a return without assistance, will simply fail to file.

The average income of our clients is under $28,000 and our free services ensure that they don’t risk adding to their tax bill, or reducing their refund with tax preparation fees and accelerated refund fees.

Your tax-deductible donation will help us continue to provide this service and support our efforts to reach even more families and train more volunteers.

Community Tax Aid Inc

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In September, I was honored to be named Chair of the Board of Directors for Community Tax Aid (CTA), an organization I have been involved with for over 15 years. CTA is the largest provider of free tax preparation services (through the IRS' VITA program) in Washington, DC. 

As many know, I am also a Site Coordinator for a tax site in Northeast DC. Yes, our Saturdays from Feb to April are a haven for tax nerds to work out the real life implications of tax rules and regulations, but our tax site is also a vibrant and fun community with many of the same volunteers and clients returning year after year.  We have shared so many memories that it has become about so much more than just tax prep. It's about the teenagers who I recall proudly sharing their first jobs who are now full adults. Sharing hugs when a client loses a spouse or faces a new medical challenge. Learning about so many different jobs that hold our city together as numbers from a W2 are entered into the computer. Sweet women who always ask to see pictures of my babies as they grow up. And the relief of refund checks arriving just in time for a crucial expense. 

This spirit of connection with neighbors and ensuring that everyone in DC has the same access to high quality tax assistance regardless of ability to pay is what keeps me coming back. And it's a family affair - our wedding vows referenced tax rules and Corey has been volunteering for over a decade as well. We often spend Saturdays switching off between childcare and tax prep and Calvin can't wait until he's old enough to volunteer. 

Each year I raise funds from generous family and friends for CTA to celebrate my birthday. This year, in honor of becoming Chair of the Board, I am hoping to raise $3,000 and am excited to share with my professional network as well. I would be incredibly grateful if you would join me in making a contribution to support CTA's important work.  

Meg's Birthday Fundraiser 

Our tax system, with its layers of complexities, can often feel like an insurmountable barrier for many. For individuals like Melissa, navigating this maze can be even more challenging when quality, affordable tax assistance is elusive.
Melissa's 24-year journey with Community Tax Aid (CTA) is a testament to what it means to tear down these barriers. Introduced to CTA by her mother, she found more than just tax assistance; she discovered a community that offered genuine support and empowerment.
Paid tax preparation, shockingly, remains an unregulated field. This lack of oversight often leads to potential pitfalls - from fraud and negligence to preparers with little understanding of the intricate tax laws. Consequently, many, especially those with low incomes, find themselves trapped, unable to pay for services yet desperately requiring guidance.
The intricate nature of tax regulations, like determining the eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), often sees many losing out on vital funds. These funds can make a significant difference in their lives, aiding in essential expenditures such as housing, utilities, and transportation. In fact, last year, over half of the tax filers assisted by CTA utilized their refunds to manage bills and reduce debts.
CTA stands as a beacon in this scenario, providing free, quality tax assistance. Our mission? Breaking down barriers and ensuring that the complexities of our tax system don't prevent individuals from accessing anti-poverty programs. This isn't just about numbers and paperwork. It's about enabling individuals like Melissa to live with dignity, confidence, and security.
Melissa's story is not just about her personal journey but also a reflection of countless others who, through CTA's support, have found a way to navigate the often overwhelming world of taxes. It's about breaking barriers, one tax filer at a time.
Now, more than ever, we need to rally together. Join the mission to cut through the red tape and ensure that thousands in the DMV region have the support they deserve. Let's break down barriers together. Join CTA in its mission today!


Breaking Down Barriers for Tax Fillers 

Estela came to DC in 1970. She is retired but still works in order to care for her disabled son. She heard about CTA from the newspaper and has been coming ever since. She comes to CTA because we always have someone who speaks Spanish who can help her. Like many of our taxpayers, Estela's entire refund went to pay off bills that were piling up.

Community Tax Aid is a non-profit organization committed to meeting the needs of low income working, retired and disabled neighbors. These individuals depend on your support to make our work possible. This Giving Tuesday we ask you to consider joining our sustaining donors by making a monthly contribution. 

Last year we: 
* Served taxpayers in person at 12 locations in Arlington, VA; Alexandria, VA; New Carrollton, MD; and in Wards 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 in Washington DC.
* Prepared federal and/or state tax returns for 3,453 taxpayers. (3,177 current year return and 276 prior-year.).
* Our taxpayers received $8.4 million in net federal and state refunds including $1.5 million in federal Earned Income Credits. 
* Half the taxpayers said that they planned to use their refunds to pay past due bills or pay down debt. Sixteen (16) percent planned to save or invest at least part of the refund.
* Helped taxpayers save more than $925,404 in tax preparation fees. This is not only urgently important to the taxpayers who tell us they need their refunds to catch up on bills and for everyday living expenses, but also for the taxpayers whose federal refund would have been too small to pay for professional tax preparation.


Make a difference for taxpayers like Estela today!

Community Tax Aid Inc

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