How EMBARC Helped a Family Avoid a $6,000 IRS Bill

Tax season can be stressful, especially if you’re filing for the first time or have had issues in the past. That’s why EMBARC is once again teaming up with VITA to offer free tax preparation for our community, especially for those who don’t speak English or can’t afford paid services.

Many in our community struggle with tax filing because of language barriers or financial limitations. Unfortunately, simple mistakes can lead to unexpected IRS debt, penalties, and stress.

One client recently received a letter from the IRS demanding over $6,000. Unsure of what to do, they turned to EMBARC for help. Our Access Center volunteers quickly discovered that their 2023 tax return had been filed incorrectly.

First, we secured an extension to give the client more time. Then, our tax expert volunteers reviewed and amended the return after correcting the errors. By the time we were done, their bill was reduced by 90%! What started as a financial crisis turned into a manageable repayment plan.

Beyond fixing the issue, we also walked the client through the process, explaining what went wrong and how to avoid similar problems in the future. We believe tax preparation should be about more than just numbers–it’s about empowering people with knowledge.

At EMBARC, we’re doing more than fixing tax returns. We’re building trust and helping our community navigate tax season with confidence. The Access Center is a safe, welcoming place where people can get help, ask questions, and find reliable tax support.

Need help with your taxes? Contact our office at 515-512-5252 to make an appointment–we’re here to help!