La Luz’s free tax help shows good returns

More than 50 individuals and families have so far participated in La Luz Center’s free tax preparation service, with total refunds now topping $93,000.

La Luz’s tax help, staffed by volunteers, is part of the Earn it! Keep It! Save It! Program (EKS) for low income people, funded by the IRS. La Luz is part of a coalition of EKS tax services formed by United Way.

“The tax assistance program is part of a new element in our strategic plan to promote economic security in our community,” said La Luz Executive Director Juan Hernandez.

The program also provides advice on saving and managing finances, and enrolment assistance in programs like CalFresh for food assistance and Covered California for healthcare.

“This is a great money-saving resource for the Sonoma Valley community,” said Ryan Janos, one of the program’s volunteers. “For many of our clients, a tax refund has a big effect on their annual budget, and the money they save by using free income tax preparation is substantial.”

Appointments for tax help are available Tuesday through Friday and can be arranged by calling 938-5131. La Luz is located at 17560 Greger Street in Boyes Hot Springs.