Coulee Region Tax Assistance | Western Technical College

Current Students

Coulee Region Tax Assistance

Tax Assistance for Western Students

Events will be held each income tax filing season to assist Western students and employees in their self-filing of their income taxes using the web-based software available publicly at http://MyFreeTaxes.com.  

Our free 2024 Tax Assistance Event dates are listed below. Click the links for more information and to register. Walk-ins are welcome.

These events will be held in La Crosse and are open to Western students only:

This event will be held at the Tomah Regional Learning Center and is open to the public:

Understanding your Taxes

Income tax filing can be difficult and full of complicated information. If you have a “simple return” we’d encourage you to try and use free software like http://MyFreeTaxes.com to file your tax return. This self-file software (accessible by selecting the “By myself”) is free for everyone. There are no income limits, no age restrictions, and no geographic limitations. The site will also connect users who need more support to nonprofits who are part of the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (accessible by clicking on the “With assistance” option).

The IRS website also offers free filing information at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free for those whose income was less than $79,000 in 2023. 

Check the status of your refund at https://www.irs.gov/refunds. Note: due to COVID and the disruption it has caused, things are taking a little bit longer.

Western students: your 1098-T is mailed to you each year but also available in self-service of MyWestern.

MyFreeTaxes has been provided by United Way for over a decade. Western thanks United Way for partnerships like these that help our community members reach the self-sufficiency that they desire.

Filing Prior Year Taxes 

Many of the self-filing options listed above only file current year returns. If you are needing to file previous year taxes, visit getyourrefund.org or seek out a registered tax preparer.  

My income is low and I am not required to file taxes. Why would I file anyway? 

If you earn below the tax filing threshold, you may not be required to file a tax return. It may still benefit you to submit a tax return. If you are due a refund for withholdings or are eligible to claim tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, you risk losing the refund if you do not file.  

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet the eligibility requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any taxes or are not required to file. EITC not only reduces the amount of tax you owe; it may give you a refund. In 2019, the average EITC received per tax filer was $2,476.  To see if you qualify go to Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).

Other tax credits you may benefit from include:

Other Financial Assistance  

Student Loans 

  • The U.S. Department of Education’s COVID-19 relief of student loans has ended. The 0% interest rate ended Sept. 1, 2023, and payments restarted in October. Learn more here.
  • Private loans do not qualify, though some lenders may offer options.  

Other Necessities 

  • Resources may be available to help with rent, food, utilities, etc. Call 211 or go to 211.org and enter your zip code. 
  • Western also maintains this listing of community resources, organized by county. Go to www.westerntc.edu/life-resources.