Baltimore Program Offers Free Tax Preparation

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- There is a program in Baltimore that allows you to get your taxes done for free and build savings in the process.

Tim Williams has more on the Baltimore Cash Campaign.

For Keith Hendrickson, getting his taxes done for free was an offer he couldn't refuse.

"I set an appointment up online and found out all the papers I had to bring and it was just really easy," Hendrickson said.

The Bmore Cash Campaign offers free tax preparation for residents around the metro area.

"They need to bring their Social Security cards for themselves and for anyone who they're claiming. They need to bring their photo ID and they also need to bring any tax forms they received for 2012," said tax volunteer Amber Jones.

Bmore Cash is a nonprofit group endorsed by local, state and federal agencies. It hopes to make filing easier for low and moderate-income families.

"Folks who can take advantage of our services are families of two or more who made $50,000 or less last year or single filers who made $25,000 or less last year," said Sara Johnson.

Ella Baker comes every year.

"It's very beneficial. It's a money saver. Any opportunity that I can get something free, I take advantage of it. I try to let others know about it. I try to spread the word," Baker said.

There are 15 locations, including one in Mondawmin Mall. CASH stands for Creating Assets, Savings and Hope.

"We try and make that really easy by encouraging people to split some of their refund into a savings account, into a prepaid card or by purchasing a U.S. savings bond," Johnson said.

For more information on this program, click here or call 410-234-8008.