FREE TAX PREP TO REFUGEES

LOCAL NON-PROFIT PROVIDES FREE TAX PREP TO REFUGEES

Tax season is the most stressful season for most people, and the labyrinth of W-2s, 1099s and Schedule-Cs is frustrating to navigate. For someone who knows very little English, compiling all records and filling out all forms turns the headache we all feel into an overwhelming obstacle. This is precisely the situation faced by San Diego�s 100,000 refugees, who are struggling to rebuild their lives in America�s finest city after being forced to flee their home countries because of war.

These refugees, who are mostly very low-income, receive assistance from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) San Diego through a free volunteer tax preparation service. The program, which is part of the IRS� VITA program, generated nearly $120,000 in tax credits and refunds last year, and saved the community an estimated $16,000 in fees which would otherwise be paid to commercial tax preparers. This year, the program is expected to generate even more in savings and refunds.

Refugees are forced to flee their home countries because of war or violent conflict and are unable to return home. Currently, there are approximately 12 million refugees worldwide, up 1 million over last year. Each year, the United States admits some 50,000 refugees after a lengthy review process. Refugees arrive in the U.S. often with little more than the clothes on their backs.

For further information:

Mr. Kasra Movahedi, Economic Development Programs Manager, IRC San Diego

Phone: (619) 641-7510, extension 246, Fax: (619) 641-7520

Email: Kasra.Movahedi@theIRC.org, web: www.theIRC.org