MACON, Ga. — The dreaded April 15 tax deadline is approaching.
At least 32% of Americans wait until the last day.
A big reason for this is how expensive it is to file, and that's an issue affecting low-income families.
"So many people are intimidated by filing their own income tax forms," said George McCanless with United Way of Central Georgia.
Tax experts say some people spend nearly $300 or more just to file.
McCanless has noticed the preparation fee creates hurdles for low-income families.
"Not only are they paying to get their taxes done, but they're not getting their full refund," McCanless explained.
He said the root of the problem is, sometimes, careless tax preparation.
McCanless shared analysis from 20114 that showed in Macon-Bibb County alone, people didn't claim $14 million a year of earned income tax credit.
"It wasn't being claimed because they either didn't file income tax, or they went somewhere and had it filed and it was filed incorrectly," McCanless said.
The United Way of Central Georgia is offering a free program known as VITA, or volunteer income tax assistance.
Volunteers and about 15 Mercer University accounting students go through an extensive process with the IRS to be qualified to help.
"This is affiliated with a class, so we spend the beginning two weeks of the class going through some testing series," Madeline Koury, a senior accounting student, said.
Like any preparation process, people can bring in their documents, the volunteers enter the information and will let you know if you get a refund or have to pay in.
To be eligible for the free assistance, you need to be making $64,000 a year or less.
You can find information on appointment times and what you'll need to bring here:
https://www.unitedwaycg.org/VITA