Howard Community College Partnering with MakingChange, Inc. to Offer Free Tax Preparation Services
COLUMBIA, MD – Howard Community College (HCC) is excited to announce a collaboration with MakingChange, Inc. to offer free income tax preparation assistance to low-to-moderate income HCC students and Howard County residents. The initiative, set to kick off on designated days in February 2024, aims to provide valuable support during tax season.
"Bringing these services to our campus eliminates potential transportation issues, financial barriers, and ensures that our students and community members accurately prepare their taxes," said Detra Hooper, interim director of financial aid services at HCC. "We hope our students and community members take advantage of these wonderful, free, local services."
MakingChange, Inc. has secured a $30,000 grant to enhance its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, doubling its efforts to provide free tax preparation services to Howard County residents.
"By continuing this program, MakingChange removes the barrier that many Howard County families face to afford professional tax preparation services. For the last two years, we have helped more than 350 taxpayers save over $130,000 in tax preparation fees," said Jasmine Brewer, Executive Director of MakingChange, Inc.
A press conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, at 9:15 a.m., in the Rouse Company Foundation Student Services Hall (RCF) lobby at Howard Community College. During the press conference, representatives from HCC, MakingChange, Inc., and Howard County Government will share insights into the program and its benefits for the community.
Advanced registration is required for individuals seeking income tax preparation assistance. Interested students and community members can sign up on January 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., e-mail vita2@MakingChangeCenter.org or call 443-518-7649 for an appointment.
MakingChange, Inc. will be on HCC's campus on the following dates and times for income tax preparation assistance for low-to-moderate-income Howard County families making $64,000 or less:
- February 12 and 21: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
- March 16: 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
- March 20, April 1, and April 10: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Howard Community College was recently named among the nation's top two-year colleges by Niche, an online college selection and data resource for families. HCC ranked #92 among all two-year institutions and the top community college in the Baltimore metropolitan area. HCC enrolls more than 20,000 credit and non-credited students of all ages from more than 104 countries, yielding more than $343 million in economic impact as one of Howard County's largest employers.