Ask any United Way of Anchorage employee who’s worked with Cheryl Teller, and they’ll tell you, “No one loves free tax prep like her!” Cheryl’s passionate about saving taxpayers money. Plus, she may be the friendliest person in our community.
“Every time I help someone, it’s like I put $300 in their pocket!” Cheryl exclaims. “They’re reaction makes me so happy.”
She’s been volunteering as an IRS-certified tax preparer for 24 years. Cheryl worked as our Database Manager for several years until 2021. Then she took her dream job. She became the IRS’s Stakeholder, Partnership, Education, and Communication Relationship (SPEC) Manager for the SPEC Program in Alaska.
Why are we sharing this information? Cheryl works with partners all over Alaska who offer fair and equitable tax services. By coordinating with the IRS, they receive answers to tax questions, support with securing sites for tax preparation and help with recruiting and training volunteers. To find a site near you, click here.
We empower community members to succeed. We want them to have strong, financially stable households. Having income to cover basic needs is a critical component, and filing taxes is part of the deal. We promote resources that help people’s financial stability—like free tax prep events. Call Alaska 211 to learn more.
Cheryl notes, “Most Alaskans don’t realize they qualify for assistance.” A person’s burden to pay for having their taxes completed and filed is considered, first and foremost. Factors like low to moderate income, age and being disadvantaged count.
Cheryl tries to dispel myths about free tax prep. Here are some facts.
IRS-certified volunteers can help. They do so by answering tax questions on calls or in secure video meetings, meeting in-person at planned events, mailing packets to homebound or remote taxpayers and preparing tax returns.
Free tax prep occurs yearlong. It’s not just during tax season.
Events happen all around Alaska. Many communities have opportunities for people to attend in-person, and sometimes IRS-certified partners and volunteers even fly to locations.
Drop-in, in-person free tax prep events are happening in Anchorage now. Cheryl and other volunteers will be at the Mt. View Library on most Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.—and walk-ins are welcome. They’re also available by appointment at Mountain City Church on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. until April 15. It’ll make Cheryl’s day to know she inspired people to have their taxes done for free. Bring hardcopies of:
- Social Security cards for everyone who is being listed on the return.
- Tax documents, including W2s, wage statements, records of income, etc.
- Tax filings from 2022—and even bring 2020 and 2021 tax returns.
- A picture ID (for the primary taxpayer).
Even if those times don’t work, Alaska 211 can direct callers to other opportunities. Our Community Resource Specialists can schedule appointments. People can also book appointments online.
“Doing taxes can be easy.” Cheryl emphasizes the word easy by drawing it out. “Don’t be afraid. These free tax centers want to help.”
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