Free Tax Preparation & Asset Building

The flagship initiative for CWFI is filing both federal and state income taxes for working families and individuals.  We strive to ensure that working people take full advantage of the tax credits available to them including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit for low to moderate wage earners.  In addition to tax preparation, at our larger tax sites we offer screenings for public benefits such as SNAP, LIHEAP, CHIP, and Credit Reports.  We offer US Saving Bonds and Pre-Paid Debit Cards at all sites. 

 

Mobile Tax Operation

CWFI's Mobile Team brings tax preparation, asset development and financial education to businesses, unions, churches and other organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region.  Our team sets up one day or multi-day sessions for a host site's clients, staff and employees at the host site's location.  This operation makes getting your taxes done easy because we bring our excellent services (and technology!) to you.  FAFSA support services are also available by request. 

 

Assisted Self Tax-Preparation

Tools such as, TAXFREEDOM assists individuals with self-tax preparation.  Individuals with computer skills can learn to complete their own tax return with the assistance of an IRS-certified CWFI representative.  This is an empowering step toward moving individuals away from for profit tax preparers and toward self-sufficiency.  Click here to prepare your own taxes.

 

Financial Services and Savings Products

CWFI continuously strives to build wealth in our constituents' household.  All customers at our tax sites have the opportunity to learn about, and apply for financial services and savings products such as savings bonds and credit counseling as they get their taxes prepared.

 

Advocacy and Organizing

CWFI is an active partner on a number of local, regional and national advocacy working groups that seek to impact policies to improve lives for working families.  During tax season 2011 we worked closely with the Coalition for Healthy Families and Workplaces to engage our customer base with a postcard campaign in support of earned sick time legislation.  Over 1,500 CWFI customers were engaged and some showed further support at city council hearings.  CWFI continues to find ways to make connections between larger policy goals and the individuals they impact. 

 

Community Workshops

CWFI is available to provide educational presentations for community groups, employees, program participants, parents and others on tax and financial stability issues.  From senior citizens to high school students and everyone in between, CWFI is capable of providing information that is valuable to understanding and managing one's tax situation and finances.  We are currently offering a presentation on Understanding Your Taxes for people who are looking to build their personal financial management skills and understand their tax situation.  This course can be offered in conjunction with our Assisted Self-Preparation program, described in more detail above, so that participants can apply new skills in real time with the support of an IRS-certified CWFI staff member. 

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Financial Aid U Philly

Financial Aid U-Philly (FAU-P) is geared to help students secure the financial aid necessary to pursue a post-secondary education.  FAU-P seeks opportunities to provide onsite tax and FAFSA preparation assistance at CWFI tax sites.