Category: Client Resources

Wills for Warriors: FREE estate planning clinic for Veterans

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Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is hosting its 8th annual Wills for Warriors clinic on Nov. 7.

During this clinic, volunteer attorneys will assist qualified veterans in preparing:

  • Simple Wills
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Living Wills

Why Have a Will?

Creating a will or advance directive is an important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Having these documents in place helps you:

  • Ensure your wishes are honored regarding your property and loved ones
  • Appoint trusted individuals to make decisions if you’re unable to
  • Avoid family disputes and reduce stress for your loved ones
  • Protect your legacy and provide clear guidance during difficult times

Eligibility & Registration

This event is open to qualified veterans residing in Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, Rowan, or Union counties.

Registration is required. To reserve your spot:
📞 Phone: 980-353-3648
✉️ Email: vlsu@charlottelegaladvocacy.org

2026 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment FAQ

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When is Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace? 

Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov) runs from November 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026. 

Is there still a penalty for not having health insurance? 

Effective January 1, 2019, there is no longer a penalty for not having health insurance. 

Which health insurance companies will be offering plans in 2025 in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Union counties? 

The plans offered for Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Union Counties are Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Oscar 

I already have coverage. How can I get ready to apply for 2026 Marketplace health coverage? 

If you already have a Healthcare.gov account, make sure you can log in. If your household size or income has changed, gather supporting documentation, such as last year’s tax returns or recent pay stubs. You may be required to provide copies of these documents to the Marketplace. Please note plans have changed! You can schedule a free appointment with a Navigator to discuss your options and make sure you are enrolled in the best plan for you and your family. 

What happens if I don’t sign up? 

If you can afford health insurance but choose not to buy it, you may face high out-of-pocket costs if you have a medical emergency or need to visit a doctor. Use the window-shopping tool on Healthcare.gov to see the plans available in your area; financial assistance may be available to you and your family. Your premium may be less than you think! 

Updating your Health Insurance Marketplace application for 2026 is crucial this year due to changes with the Marketplace, including the expiration of tax credits, premium increases, and other potential changes to plans.   

  • By actively updating your application instead of having your plan auto-renewed, you can avoid unexpected costs and ensure you receive the maximum financial assistance you qualify for.   
  • It is important to go through the application process to learn your options because there are so many changes 
  • You may no longer be eligible for premium tax credits 

What should I do if an agent or broker enrolled me in a Marketplace plan without my permission? 

Unauthorized enrollment in a Marketplace health plan by an agent or broker—without your consent or knowledge—is a serious issue. It can lead to unexpected premium charges, disruption of your healthcare access, and Tax implications. 

Here’s how it can affect you: 

  • Unexpected bills: You might receive premium invoices or tax penalties for coverage you didn’t authorize. 
  • Repayment of the Advance Premium Tax Credits: Being enrolled in a Marketplace plan while you are eligible for Medicaid or Medicare will not make you eligible to receive subsidies to cover your premium amount for a health insurance plan.  
  • Coverage confusion: You may not be able to access the doctors or prescriptions you need if the plan doesn’t match your needs. 

Steps to take immediately: 

  1. Contact one of our Navigators to help you navigate your escalation and retroactive cancellation.  
  1. Report the issue to the Marketplace: Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) and explain the situation. 
  1. Request a termination or correction: Ask to have the unauthorized plan canceled or corrected. 
  1. File a complaint against the agent or broker: You can do this through the Marketplace and/or your state’s Department of Insurance. 
  1. Monitor your account: Check your Marketplace account for any other unauthorized activity. 
  1. Protect your information: Change your account password and avoid sharing personal details with unverified agents. 

If you suspect fraud, act quickly. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to reverse any damage and protect your coverage options. 

Can I just wait and have my current plan automatically renewed? 

Even if you’re happy with your plan and you don’t have any life changes to report (like moving to a new state or changes in your income or household), you should still go back through the application and make sure all your information is up to date to ensure that you are receiving all the financial assistance you are eligible for. You can also check the health plans available in your area. You might benefit from a change, and you never know until you compare. You can do this yourself by logging into your Healthcare.gov account or by calling the Marketplace directly at 1-800-318-2596. You can also make an appointment with a navigator to go over your options —call today! 

If your income or household situation has changed, failing to update your information could result in receiving too much in Advance Premium Tax Credit payments. This could force you to pay back the excess amount when you file your 2026 taxes.  

When will my coverage start if I enroll or update my application after December 15, 2025? 

If you enroll in a plan or update your application after December 15, 2025, your new coverage will start on February 1, 2026. 

I no longer have coverage, or I lost coverage during 2025; what are my options? 

Even if you lost coverage this year, you may still qualify for financial assistance and can enroll in an affordable health plan for next year. You can log back into your Marketplace account, call the Marketplace, or meet with a navigator to start a new 2026 application. 

I am eligible for health benefits at work, but I want to see if I can get a better deal on the Marketplace. Can I do that?  

Yes, you can always shop for coverage on  Healthcare.gov, assuming you meet other eligibility requirements. However, if you have access to affordable job-based coverage through your employer or your spouse’s employer, you may not qualify for financial assistance in the Marketplace. It is important to have information about your employer coverage offer when you complete a Marketplace application. The Employer-Sponsored Insurance Affordability threshold for 2026 is 9.96% of annual income for the Cost of Family coverage. 

I have COBRA, but it’s too expensive. Can I drop it during Open Enrollment and enroll in a Marketplace plan instead? 

During Open Enrollment, you can sign up for a Marketplace plan even if you already have COBRA. You will have to drop your COBRA coverage effectively on the date your new Marketplace plan coverage begins. After Open Enrollment ends, however, if you voluntarily drop your COBRA coverage or stop paying premiums, you will not be eligible for a special enrollment opportunity. You will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period. Only exhaustion of your COBRA coverage triggers a special enrollment opportunity. 

How can I find out if my doctor and/or prescription medication is in a health plan’s network?  

Each plan sold on Healthcare.gov provides a link to its health provider directory and prescription drug formulary so consumers can find out if their health providers and medications are included. 

I am not currently working. Although I do not have income, should I still review my healthcare options for 2026? 

YES! Although you are not currently working, the Marketplace application asks for information about your anticipated income for the following year. Therefore, you can estimate your potential income for 2026 even if you are not working right now. You can always update your income using the Marketplace application. Navigators can walk you through your options. Schedule a free appointment, in person or virtually, by calling 980-256-3782 or going online to ncnavigator.org 

You may also be now eligible for Medicaid under Medicaid Expansion in North Carolina. The Navigators will be able to assist you in understanding your eligibility and finding the best plan to fit your needs and protect you and your family. Click here to learn more. 

What if I need help? 

Navigators are available in your area and taking appointments, but we anticipate that appointments will fill up quickly! As always, appointments are free and available at convenient times. Appointments are available at convenient locations, including our office. Walk-in times for self-help and the computer lab are also available at our office on Saturdays, 9:30 am-2:00 pm. Call 980-256-3782 or visit ncnavigator.org to schedule an appointment today. 

Major Changes Coming to Health Coverage Access: What Consumers Need to Know

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Major Changes Coming to Health Coverage Access: What Consumers Need to Know 

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy | October 2025 

Important changes to both Marketplace and Medicaid health coverage programs are scheduled to begin this year, significantly impacting low-income individuals, immigrant communities, and those who rely on coverage assistance programs. These reforms are the result of recent regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the passing of the Budget Reconciliation Bill (P.L. 119-21). The changes will take effect from August 2025 through 2028. 

Key Marketplace Changes – Effective August 25, 2025 

  1. Elimination of Low-Income Special Enrollment Period (SEP) 
    Consumers earning under 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) will no longer be able to enroll year-round. This change affects nearly 47% of 2025 enrollees. 
  1. Marketplace Ban on DACA Recipients 
    DACA recipients newly eligible for coverage in 2025 will be barred from coverage and have their plans terminated as of September 30th, 2025. 
  1. Less Time for Data Matching 
    The additional 60-day grace period for resolving income inconsistencies is eliminated. Failure to resolve within 90 days will result in the end of subsidies. 

Marketplace Changes – Did not take effect on August 25, 2025 

Changes enacted on August 25, 2025, that have been stayed by the litigation in the court system 

  1. Self-Attestation to income above 100% FPL 

Verification required if attested income on the application differs from federal data sources 

  1. Past-due premiums 

The new rule allows insurers in all states to deny coverage for an upcoming year to individuals with unpaid premiums at any point in the past. 

  1. Extending the ‘de minimis’ amount for plans 

Changes “de minimis” amounts guiding the plan’s metal level out-of-pocket cost share. 

Would allow insurers to offer plans with actuarial values below the standard value.  

Marketplace Changes Coming in 2026 

  • Loss of Enhanced PTCs & Return of Full Repayment Rules: 
    Unless Congress acts, 2026 marks the end of enhanced subsidies and the reinstatement of full repayment requirements for overpaid tax credits. This will eliminate the marketplace premium payment threshold as well. 
  • Eliminates APTCs’ repayment caps 

Starting in tax year 2026, households with incomes higher than their projected income or those who are otherwise ineligible for the premium tax credit will have to repay all excess PTCs they received.  

  • Elimination of PTCs for Certain Immigrants: 
    Those not eligible for Medicaid due to status, and earning below 100% FPL, will now be denied Premium Tax Credits. 
  • Gender-Affirming Care Removed as Essential Benefit: 
    States will no longer be able to include gender-affirming care as an Essential Health Benefit. States must fund this care directly if they wish to continue offering it. 
  • Eliminates automatic re-enrollment in a Silver plan where available: 
    Consumers won’t be automatically moved to lower-cost plans even if one is available. 
  • Increase in plan premiums, Out-of-Pocket Maximums, and consumer cost sharing (due to changes in formula): 

MOOP for 2026 plans will increase from $10,150 to $10,600.  Net premiums (after APTC) will increase by 2.7 percent. 

Reduced PTCs based on higher expected consumer contribution % (this is on top of the end of enhanced PTCs).  

Marketplace Changes – Will not take effect on January 1, 2026 

Changes are suspended due to litigation in the court system, and we are expecting a final ruling 

  • Stricter Special Enrollment Verification: 
    Consumers will have just 30 days to submit proof of life changes like marriage, birth, or moving. 
  • $5 Passive Enrollment Fee: 
    Consumers re-enrolled passively into a $0-premium plan must pay a fee or their plan won’t activate. 
  • Re-instates one-year failure to reconcile PTCs (for plan year 2026 only) 

This means that those enrolling in the Marketplace plan for 2026 must reconcile their PTCs for both 2023 and 2024 tax years; otherwise, they will not be approved for 2026 PTCs. 

Permanent Marketplace Changes in 2027–2028 

  • Shortened Open Enrollment Period: 
    Open enrollment will now run only from Nov. 1 – Dec. 15 in most states. 
  • Immigration-Based PTC Restrictions: 
    Most lawfully present immigrants lose eligibility for subsidies, with exceptions for Legal Permanent Residents, COFA migrants, and Cuban-Haitian Entrants. 
  • Work Requirement Impact: 
    Consumers disenrolled from Medicaid for not meeting work requirements will also be ineligible for Marketplace subsidies. 
  • Higher Burdens to Maintain Coverage: 
    From 2028, auto-reenrollment and subsidy continuation will require active reapplication and complete documentation verification. 

Medicaid Program Reforms – Effective 2026 Onward 

The Medicaid program will also undergo significant structural and eligibility changes: 

Starting October 1, 2026: 

  • Narrowed Definition of “Qualified Immigrant”: 
    While the HR1 reconciliation bill does not change the definition of qualified immigrants, it ends federal Medicaid matching funds for all categories other than LPRs, USC, and COFA migrants. Does not change the rule around the state option to ensure pregnant people and minor children.  

Starting January 1, 2027: 

  • Work Requirements for Expansion Adults: 
    Adults ages 19–64 in the expansion category must report at least 80 hours/month of work or qualifying activity. 
  • Shortened Retroactive Coverage Window: 
    Retroactive eligibility was reduced to 1 month for expansion adults and 2 months for others. 
  • Eligibility Redeterminations Every 6 Months 
    Replacing the current annual review. 

Starting October 1, 2028: 

  • New Cost Sharing Requirements: 
    Expansion adults with incomes between 100–138% FPL will be subject to up to $35 per service, with some key exemptions. 

What Should Consumers Do? 

To stay covered and minimize disruptions, individuals should: 

  • Read and respond to notices from the Marketplace and Medicaid offices. 
  • Actively update income and household information. 
  • File taxes and reconcile Premium Tax Credits. 
  • Pay premiums on time or seek assistance. 

Get help from Navigators to understand changes and requirements. 
 

Our Health Insurance Navigators Are Leading the Way in Healthcare Access, and Now They’re Award-Winning

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At Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, we know that access to healthcare changes lives—and so does the dedication of the people who help make that access possible.

As a part of the North Carolina Navigator Consortium, our federally certified Health Insurance Navigators provide free, unbiased assistance to individuals and families who need help navigating health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), along with Medicaid and other federal and state programs.

Advocacy Center Navigators Honored with Statewide Award for Impact on Healthcare Enrollment

In March, our Health Insurance Navigators received the Consortium Member Impact Award from the NC Navigator Consortium. This recognition celebrates the Navigators’ exceptional contributions to public health through their work supporting Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid enrollment efforts across North Carolina.

The award was presented during a special gathering in Raleigh that marked two major milestones: the 15th anniversary of the ACA and the enrollment of more than 640,000 North Carolinians in Medicaid expansion. Navigators from across the state joined community partners and fellow advocates to celebrate these achievements.

Advocacy Center Navigators Recognized at Assister Appreciation Event

In April, two Advocacy Center Health Insurance Navigators received top honors at the North Carolina Annual Assister Appreciation Event in Greensboro.

Tanja Pauler was named Navigator of the Year. This award goes to a Navigator who has shown exceptional dedication and outstanding service throughout the year, continuously going above and beyond to help our communities navigate the healthcare system and access health coverage. 

Natalie Marles, Health Insurance Navigator Project Manager, shared:

Since joining the CCLA team in 2022, Tanja has been an incredible addition to our team in the constantly changing world of access to healthcare. Her dedication, expertise, and strong integrity have raised the bar for what it means to advocate for those trying to navigate the often-tricky world of health coverage. Tanja has tackled some of the toughest challenges in our field, especially those involving agent and broker fraud and the complexities of Medicaid eligibility during the expansion. These are not easy topics to navigate; they demand a deep knowledge of policy, attention to detail, and a heartfelt commitment to clients’ well-being. Tanja brings all of this—and so much more—every single day. Her clients see her as not just a Navigator, but as a trusted friend and advocate. Her colleagues think of her as a go-to resource, a collaborative partner, and a caring presence. We all know her work has made a real impact on the lives of many people. Tanja, your professionalism, compassion, and tireless commitment to helping your clients embody the spirit of this award.

Natalie Marles was honored as the Health Access Champion, a recognition reserved for those who go above and beyond in their efforts to ensure North Carolinians can access vital healthcare services and coverage. Natalie’s leadership has been critical in supporting our team and driving impact across the region.

Julieanne Taylor, Interim Director of the Family Support & Health Care Program, said:

Since becoming the Navigator Program Manager at the Advocacy Center, Natalie has worked tirelessly with her team to reach as many North Carolinians as possible to ensure they have access to healthcare. Natalie’s passion for helping others is evident in her fearlessness to fight for immigrant families and those who are underserved in our community. Natalie is a trusted community leader and has cultivated relationships with countless partner organizations across North Carolina to expand her impact in the healthcare arena. Natalie has hosted Health & Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Vice President Kamala Harris, and has been recognized by Former NC Governor Roy Cooper for her Medicaid Expansion efforts. Natalie is beyond deserving of this honor and we are so proud of the incredible work she does everyday. Congratulations, Natalie!!

We are so proud of both Tanja and Natalie and grateful for the dedication they bring to this work. Their commitment makes a difference every single day.

If you or someone you know needs help understanding their health coverage options, our team is here to help.

Call 980-256-3782 or visit www.ncnavigator.org to schedule a free appointment.

Norma’s Story

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Norma is a passionate entrepreneur who poured her heart into starting her own business, Pan Dulce/Conchas, bringing the warmth of traditional Mexican bread to her community. But turning her dream into reality came at a cost—she had to leave her full-time job, losing the health insurance that came with it.

For two long years, Norma faced an agonizing choice: prioritize her health or keep her business afloat. Every doctor’s visit, every prescription, and every follow-up appointment with specialists came straight out of her pocket. She often delayed care, hoping minor issues wouldn’t turn into something worse.

Then, in 2024, everything changed. Norma learned that as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, she was finally eligible for health insurance. While some states cruelly blocked this new opportunity, North Carolina did not.

Health Insurance Navigator Rodrigo Medinilla Corzo helped Norma with the sign-up process. He states: “Our job as navigators is to help you invest your time in the projects you are passionate about and reduce the risks of a financial collapse due to illness or accident.”

For the first time in years, Norma could breathe easier—knowing she wouldn’t have to choose between her health and her livelihood.

“Knowing that I have health insurance gives me the confidence to keep working to grow my business,” Norma shares.

Now, with the security of health coverage, Norma can focus on what she does best: growing her business, serving her community, and creating a better future for herself and others.

Advocacy Center Health Insurance Navigators Recognized With Consortium Member Impact Award

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This week, we had the privilege of joining the NC Navigator Consortium, alongside community partners and advocates, to celebrate two incredible milestones: 15 years of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and more than 640,000 North Carolinians enrolling in Medicaid Expansion. These achievements mark significant progress in expanding access to quality, affordable health coverage across our state.

At the event, we were honored to receive the Consortium Member Impact Award from the NC Navigator Consortium. This award recognizes our Health Insurance Navigator‘s outstanding achievements in promoting public health by advancing Affordable Care Act and Medicaid enrollment across North Carolina.

Need Health Insurance? We Can Help!

If you have questions about Medicaid eligibility or Marketplace enrollment, our Health Insurance Navigators are here to guide you through the process—for free!

Schedule an appointment with a local Navigator:
📞 980-256-3782
🌐 ncnavigator.org

“Life Is So Much Better Now”: Low-Income Tax Clinic Corrects Misattributed $20,000 Tax Bill

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Sarah, a single mom of twins and a hairdresser, regularly pays her taxes every year when suddenly, she received a tax notice that she owed an additional $20,000. She didn’t know what was going on because nothing about this situation made sense. After contacting the IRS, she was told that she was being taxed on a second 1099-K due to earnings from her second account on a point-of-sale app.

Now, as a hairdresser who rents a booth at a local salon, Sarah does accept payments through this point-of-sale app. The IRS continued to tell her that she owed money due to the second account, even though this app only allows one account for one person. After many calls and much digging, it was determined that her former partner (and father of her twins) had changed his company’s app account and associated it with Sarah’s account through her social security number after they separated. Unbeknownst to her, she was expected to pay the taxes on his earnings without knowing how or when he did this.

Once figuring out what happened, it was a matter for the Advocacy Center’s low-income tax clinic to get it resolved. They had to file past earnings records, bank statements, tax forms, etc., along with getting a signed affidavit from her former partner. After over a year, we were able to prove to the court that the earnings were actually not Sarah’s and that she did not owe the additional $20,000 in taxes.

“It took a lot of pressure off of me and gave me peace of mind. While I knew it would be corrected in the end, I appreciated Soreé Finley (Advocacy Center Program Director) for her availability, her assurance and her responsiveness.

Life is much better now.”

Medicaid in NC: What You Need to Know

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Ver información en Español 

Medicaid is a federal and state-funded health insurance program that provides full coverage for some vulnerable low-income North Carolinians. It improves access to healthcare and health outcomes for North Carolinians by increasing access to primary care providers, regular checkups, preventative care, and care for chronic conditions.

There are many different types or categories of Medicaid, each with its own income limits compared to the federal poverty line (FPL). Medicaid expansion is the newly implemented program in the state of North Carolina, covering adults aged 19-64 who meet the income requirements. This expands coverage to college students, working parents, childless adults, and more.

Have questions or think you may be eligible? Make a free appointment with a Health Insurance Navigator at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy Call 980-256-3782 or visit the website ncnavigator.org to schedule your free phone appointment today!

  • On March 27, 2023, Governor Cooper signed the Medicaid Expansion into law.
  • NC is the 41st state to expand Medicaid (Including the District of Columbia)
  • As March 2025, more than 630,000 people have enrolled in Medicaid Expansion

Who will be able to get health coverage through NC Medicaid?

Most people can get health care coverage through NC Medicaid if they meet the criteria below. If you were eligible before, you still are. Eligibility criteria:

  • You live in North Carolina
  • Age 19 through 64
  • You are a citizen (some non-U.S. citizens can get health coverage through NC Medicaid)
  • If your household income fits within the following chart:

Click here for a Medicaid PDF with more information.

What should I do?

To apply contact your local DSS office or schedule a free appointment with a Health Insurance Navigator by calling 980-256-3782 or visiting www.ncnavigator.org.

  • Contact your local DSS office to make sure they have your current mailing address, phone number, email, and other contact information.
    • Local DSS Offices:
      • Mecklenburg County
        • 704-336-3000
        • Wallace H. Kuralt Centre, 301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
        • Community Resource Center, 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208
      • Union County
        • 704-296-4300
        • 2330 Concord Avenue Monroe, NC 28110
      • Cabarrus County
        • 704-920-1400
        • 1303 S. Cannon Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28083
  • Watch for mail, texts, or phone calls from DSS and respond promptly. 
  • Create an enhanced E-Pass account (https://epass.nc.gov):
    • View your benefits,
    • Upload documents supporting any changes, like income or household size,
    • Update your information online

If you are denied and think it is wrong, we may be able to help. Call 704-376-1600 (select public benefits option) or make an appointment online.

You have the right to:

You have the right to appeal.

If you believe there has been an error, you can appeal that decision. You have 60 days (about 2 months) from the date of the notice to ask for an appeal. If you do so within 10 business days, you can request that your Medicaid be continued while the appeal is reviewed. Call 704-376-1600 and press 2 (public benefits) for more information or make an appointment online.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) are available for Medicare and Marketplace coverage. 

Individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid may be eligible to enroll in Medicare or Marketplace coverage with a special enrollment period.

Health Insurance Navigators

NC Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

  • SHIIP counselors offer free and unbiased information regarding Medicare health care products and eligibility
  • 1-855-408-1212

Free legal assistance may be available.

If you think your Medicaid was wrongfully reduced or terminated, call 704-376-1600 and press 2 (public benefits) or make an appointment online.

For more helpful resources, visit NCMedHelp.org.

Puede ser elegible para preparación de impuestos GRATUITO.

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¿Necesita ayuda para preparar sus impuestos? Conéctese con estos útiles recursos GRATUITOS para comenzar. 

VITA Latino

Los centros VITA ofrecen ayuda GRATUITA a la comunidad Latina que necesiten asistencia con la preparación de sus propias declaraciones de impuestos, incluyendo a:

  • Personas con ingreso de $67,000 o menos;
  • Personas que tengan número de seguro social o ITIN (W7);
  • Personas que tienen dominio limitado del inglés.

Haz tu cita: VITA Latino

AARP

Tax-Aide de la Fundación AARP brinda asistencia de impuestos en persona y virtual a cualquier persona sin cargo, con un enfoque especial en los contribuyentes mayores de 50 años o con ingresos bajos a moderados. Los voluntarios de Tax-Aide están ubicados en todo el país, y están capacitados y certificados por el IRS cada año para asegurarse de que entienden los últimos cambios y adiciones a el código fiscal.

Haz tu cita: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service

GetYourRefund.org

GetYourRefund.org es un sitio web sin fines de lucro creado en asociación con los sitios de Asistencia Voluntaria a los Contribuyentes (VITA) certificados por el IRS a nivel nacional. El servicio brinda asistencia con la declaración de impuestos a las familias que ganan menos de $67,000 al año.

Tendrás que subir fotos de su identificación, responder preguntas sobre tu situación fiscal y subir tus documentos de ingresos. Un especialista en impuestos lo llamará por teléfono para hablar sobre sus impuestos, responder cualquier pregunta y completar su declaración. Sus voluntarios capacitados también pueden ayudarlo a presentar declaraciones de impuestos de años anteriores y asegurarse de que reciba los créditos fiscales para los que califica.

Visit GetYourRefund.org/ y click “Get Started”.

IRS Direct File

Direct File es un servicio digital que permite a los contribuyentes presentar sus impuestos federales y estatales directamente con el gobierno, ¡de forma gratuita! Después de un programa piloto exitoso en 2024, el IRS convirtió Direct File en una opción permanente para la presentación de impuestos. Este año, Direct File está disponible para contribuyentes elegibles en 25 estados, incluido Carolina del Norte. Direct File está disponible en inglés y español.

Obtén más información en directfile.irs.gov.

IRS Free File

Si el ingreso de su hogar fue de $72,000 o menos, Free File del IRS también le permite preparar y presentar su declaración de impuestos FEDERAL sobre la renta en línea mediante la preparación de impuestos guiada, en un sitio asociado del IRS o en los formularios rellenables de Free File. Hay opciones disponibles en inglés y español.

Free File del IRS: Haga sus impuestos gratuitamente | Internal Revenue Service

Contribuyentes de Bajos Ingresos de Carolina del Norte

¿Tiene problemas con el IRS? ¿Necesita ayuda con una auditoría? ¿El IRS está tomando dinero de su cheque de pago aunque no esté de acuerdo con una factura de impuestos que le envió? 

La Clínica para Contribuyentes de Bajos Ingresos de Carolina del Centro de Apoyo legal de Charlotte ayuda a los contribuyentes a comprender y manejar sus problemas fiscales. Más información sobre cómo podemos ayudar.

You may be eligible for FREE income tax preparation.

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Obtenga más información en Español 

VITA: IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

If your household income in 2025 was $67,000 or less, you could qualify to have your taxes prepared and submitted through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA sites are available in all 50 states.

Locations in Mecklenburg County: About Us (communitylinknc.org)

Outside Mecklenburg County: Get Free Tax Prep Help (treasury.gov)

AARP

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.

Make an appointment: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service

GetYourRefund.org

GetYourRefund.org is a non-profit website built in partnership with the IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites nationally. The service provides tax filing assistance to families earning less than $67,000 a year.

You will have to upload photos of your ID, answer questions about your tax situation, and upload your tax documents. A tax specialists will call you on the phone to discuss your taxes, answer any questions, and complete your filing. Their trained volunteers can also help you file tax returns for previous years and make sure you receive the tax credits you qualify for.

Visit GetYourRefund.org and click “Get Started”.

IRS Direct File

Direct File is a digital service that allows taxpayers to file their federal and state taxes directly with the government—for free! Following a successful pilot in 2024, the IRS made Direct File a permanent tax filing option. This year, Direct File is available to eligible taxpayers in 25 states, including North Carolina. Direct File is available in both English and Spanish.

Learn more at directfile.irs.gov.

IRS Free File

The IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file FEDERAL income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software at an IRS partner site or on Free File fillable forms. It’s safe, easy and no cost to you. Those who don’t qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms. Options are available in English and in Spanish.

Learn more at IRS Free File

North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic

Having trouble with the IRS? Do you need assistance with an audit? Is the IRS taking money from your paycheck even though you disagree with a tax bill it sent you? 

The North Carolina Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy helps taxpayers understand and manage their tax issues.  Learn more about how we can help.