Do you cringe when you think about filing your taxes?

If you use Rappahannock United Way’s FREE Tax Services Program this year, you might develop  a whole new outlook on tax preparation. Just ask Koren Cole of Fredericksburg.

“My mom usually gets her taxes done here,” said Cole, who decided she’d give Rappahannock United Way a try this year instead of paying someone to file. “Being I’m a single mom, I couldn’t afford to go to another tax preparation service. They take a good amount of money out.”

Cole has also tried filing her own taxes. When she ended up owing she decided she didn’t want to take that route again. After arriving at Rappahannock United Way, not only did she get free full-service tax preparation from an IRS-certified volunteer, but she also received some free financial coaching and advice about how to get the highest credit score possible.

“This service means a lot,” said Cole, who works full time, has a five-year-old son in Head Start and was happy to learn she was getting a refund this year, which will help with bills and other expenses. “The more money I can get back is great because it goes to my son. He’s a growing boy and he likes to eat. So it definitely helps with the groceries.”

Not only did Cole get a refund this year, but she was also one of the winners of Rappahannock United Way’s Savings Incentive Program. Because she decided to put part of her tax refund into a savings account, she was entered into a weekly drawing and won $100. A new $100 winner is announced each week during tax season at Rappahannock United Way to motivate households to build up their savings.

“I hadn’t thought about putting some of my refund into savings until they mentioned it,” said Cole, who usually puts refund money into her checking account to immediately start paying bills. “You hear about a lot of contests and wonder if there’s a winner. I’m proof there’s a winner! I encourage others preparing their taxes to try it.”

Would you like to get free help filing your taxes or meet with a free financial coach at Rappahannock United Way? Click here for all the details.