Frequently Asked Questions
Missing your Required Documents? Here’s how to find them before your appointment.
General
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Dallas Free Tax Preparation’s tax filing is 100% free, this service is funded by Child Poverty Action Lab and the taxes are reviewed and filed by a professional tax filing organization, SimplifyCT.
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The process to prepare your taxes will take 24-48 hours. Your appointment is scheduled for an hour, however the in person intake process can be shorter depending on your tax filing situation. A certified IRS tax preparer will text or email you within 24-48 hours of your in-person appointment to set up a phone call.
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If you would like a direct deposit refund, please have your bank account and routing number ready for your in-person appointment.
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Please bring a smartphone to your appointment to take pictures of your documents and verify your email address upon creating an account. If you do not have a smartphone, don’t worry. We can provide additional support.
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You will receive your tax refund via mail or direct deposit - for direct deposit expect the return within 2-3 weeks and for check in the mail in 4-6 weeks.
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You can monitor your refund status on the IRS' Where's My Refund tool 24 hours after the IRS electronically accepts it. To verify your details, provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact federal refund amount from Line 35a on your tax return.
Please be aware that this IRS site enables tracking for 2022, 2021, and 2020 federal refunds. However, it cannot be used for returns filed on paper (mailed to the IRS).
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Please visit the Our Process page on this website to see the list of required documents.
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To obtain an ITIN, complete Form W-7 along with your federal tax return. As part of the application process, you must submit proof of identity, typically original copies of documents like a passport and birth certificate. You can send these documents to the IRS by mail or apply in person at the IRS or through a "Certified Acceptance Agent" who can authenticate your documents on behalf of the IRS. Applying in person is often advantageous as it eliminates the need to mail your original documents. For assistance with filing an ITIN, contact (860) 590-8910.
Filing for People without a Social Security Number
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An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is intended for individuals unable to acquire a Social Security Number, often due to their immigration status. Securing an ITIN enables you to file a tax return and access specific tax benefits for yourself and your family. To apply for an ITIN, it is essential to have earned income in the US to report on a federal tax return.
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Undocumented residents in the United States may fear that filing taxes could expose them to the government, potentially leading to deportation. If you have an ITIN, the IRS already has your information, unless you recently moved. Renewing an ITIN or filing taxes with it does not increase your exposure.
While current law generally prevents the IRS from sharing tax return information, exceptions exist, such as sharing with state tax agencies or law enforcement for non-tax criminal investigations. Legal protections against disclosure cannot be easily revoked. Proceed with an ITIN application or tax filing only if you're comfortable, considering potential risks and benefits. This information is not legal advice; consult an immigration attorney for concerns.
Tax Refunds
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Even with a low income and no tax filing requirement, you might qualify for IRS payments, especially if you have children. Filing a tax return is essential to claim this money and can also serve as valuable documentation for other benefits like college financial aid or a home loan. On average U.S. taxpayers are refunded over $2,500 annually.
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The Child and Dependent Care Credit is a tax credit designed to assist families in covering child care expenses necessary for work or job-seeking. This credit is also applicable to families caring for a spouse or adult relative unable to self-care. Families can claim up to $3,000 for one child/dependent or $6,000 for two or more children/dependents. The credit ranges from 20 to 35% of child care costs, determined by earned income and Adjusted Gross Income (spouse must also work if filing jointly). To qualify for the credit, you must report earned income during 2022. Please be aware that the credit amounts have reverted to their original values for 2022.
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Generally, tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits, and stimulus payments are not considered income for benefits eligibility. Refunds saved do not impact federally-funded public benefit programs for 12 months after receiving the refund.
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Most tax benefits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and stimulus payments, are exclusive to individuals not claimed as dependents on another's tax return. Full-time students aged 19-24 are typically dependents, unless they prove covering over half their living expenses. If you're 19-24, not a full-time student, and earned over $4,300, it's advisable to file your own tax return. Even if claimed as a dependent, filing can be beneficial if you had a job with withheld taxes. When claiming unused withholdings, specify your status as claimable on someone else's tax return.
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The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for individuals earning income through work. Although EITC eligibility is intricate, it generally applies to families with children earning below $49,622 and families without children earning below $22,610. To claim EITC, filing a complete tax return is necessary.
