Fresno residents scramble ahead of tax deadline

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- With the deadline on Monday, the countdown is on to get your taxes done.

Across the Valley, signs, inflatables and even mascots are reminding all of us it's tax time. At the United Way of Fresno and Madera Counties , it's also a busy time of year as the April 18 deadline approaches.

The call center has been sharing information about its free tax service called VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. With the deadline approaching, they're all making a big last-minute push to help people at its Fresno office.

"On Friday, we will have moonlight madness," president and CEO of United Way Lindsay Callahan said. "And we will be open and preparing tax returns for anyone who qualifies between the hours of 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. So, we will be open all night Friday."

Callahan says the service is being offered in Fresno and Madera, and volunteers can also help people file extensions. It's for those who earn under $62,000 or less and is a partnership with IRS.

She says in order to file people need proper identification and paperwork, but they're encouraging people to file.

"So, even if you didn't pay very much in taxes or didn't make very much, you may still get a lot of money back," Callahan said.

The office will also be open Monday and volunteers can also help. This year the deadline was extended because of a legal holiday in Washington. If you don't qualify for the free services, there are options. You can go online and use reputable sites or go to a company, but experts warn you should watch out for gimmicks.

"Everything is electronic now so some of these things where you're paying in advance to get your return faster is probably not going to be a very good deal for you at the end of the day," Callahan said.

You can also pick up forms at your local post office or library if you want to do them yourself, just make sure it's postmarked by April 18.