Local Tax Service Offering Free Tax Preparation for Community's Professionals

To show their appreciation for members of the community, Liberty Tax Service is offering something special for teachers, volunteers and members of law enforcement: Free tax preparation.

The service will be available at three of the company's locations: 9340 N. Florida Avenue, 7713 W. Hillsborough Avenue and 3697 W. Waters Avenue.

New clients will receive free tax returns, and existing clients will receive 30 percent off during designated appreciation weeks.

As a mother who home-schooled her children, Heather Tomasello, owner of the three locations, said she was excited when her corporate office initiated the idea last year.

She said about 100 returns were completed for free last year, and that she's already receiving calls from people who had their taxes prepared at Liberty last year and hope to return this year to reap the 30 percent discount.

"This year, I hope we do several hundred," she said. "We try to treat customers like family. We want to make taxes fun, and we want them to come back for years to come."

Tomasello has been getting the word out about her company's service by going to local schools and stuffing teacher's mailboxes with goodie bags that include candy, pens and coupons.

She's reaching out to bus drivers, military veterans and hospital workers, too.

Here's her company's tax preparation schedule:

Feb 28-March 5: Teachers and School Employee Appreciation Week

March 7-March12: Police and Firefighter Appreciation Week/Government Workers

March 14-March 19: Hospital Workers Appreciation Week

March 21- March 26: Military/Veterans Appreciation Week

March 28-April 3: Volunteers and Non-profits Appreciation Week

To make an appointment at the Waters Avenue location, call 813-443-4834. To make an appointment at the Florida Avenue location, call 813-374-2207. To make an appointment at the Hillsborough Avenue location, call 813-964-6875.