26 Jan 2026 Free tax help available in Central Arkansas

Posted at 7:55 PMh in News by

Conway, AR (January 26, 2026) – Yesterday marked the opening day of the 2026 tax filing season, and the IRS began processing tax returns that were filed electronically. Taxpayers have until April 15 to file their 2025 tax returns and pay any tax due.

For taxpayers who receive refunds, it is important to provide routing and account numbers on the tax return in order to avoid long payment delays, according to Arkansas Asset Builders. The IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks on Sept. 30, 2025, meaning most taxpayers must provide their bank information to receive refunds by direct deposit into their account. Refunds will be delayed by 6 weeks or more if no bank information is provided.

Most refunds are issued by direct deposit within 21 days. However, the IRS expects that refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit will be available for direct deposit no earlier than March 2. Taxpayers can track their refund status using the IRS Where’s My Refund? website, the IRS2Go app, or their IRS Individual Online Account.

This year, several new tax law provisions of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill became effective, which could impact federal taxes, credits and deductions for qualifying taxpayers. In particular, workers who receive tips or work overtime hours may be able to deduct a portion of this extra income on their tax return. Many taxpayers age 65 or older will owe less tax this year due to the new Enhanced Deduction for Seniors.

Arkansas Asset Builders helps taxpayers across Central Arkansas to get the most value out of their refund by accessing free tax help. Through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, local IRS-certified volunteers offer free tax preparation to qualifying taxpayers with income less than $69,000. Taxpayers with income under $89,000 can also get help filing their own return using free online software.

“Our VITA volunteers help you get the maximum refund you’re due. Our goal is to help you file for free and 100% correct. This is money you can save or use to pay off bills, buy that car to get to work or make a down payment on a home” said Joyia Yorgey, executive director of Arkansas Asset Builders.

Taxpayers can access free tax help throughout tax season at the Faulkner County Library, 1900 Tyler Street, Conway, at the White County Library, 1609 W Beebe Capps Expy, Searcy, at Our House, 302 E Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, or online at GetYourRefund.org. Appointments are recommended for all in-person locations. Learn more at arkansasassetbuilders.org/VITA or by calling 501.503.2123.

Arkansas Asset Builders’ free tax prep services are supported by Entergy Arkansas and the IRS VITA Grant program.