The 2026 tax season officially opened on January 26, 2026, and you can now begin filing your 2025 tax return. The filing deadline is April 15, 2026. To help make the process easier, the Financial Empowerment Center provides free tax support til April, including upcoming tax workshops and one-on-one appointments with our trained financial volunteers. These services are designed to help you feel confident, informed, and supported as you prepare and file your taxes.
This month's newsletter also includes information on additional free tax resources in the community; details are provided below. If you have any tax-related questions or need help getting started, we are here to help.
Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) is offering a free Lunch and Learn tax series to help individuals and families prepare for the 2026 tax filing season. These sessions are hosted by LSNV's Low Income Tax Clinic and are designed to provide clear, helpful information on common tax topics. Each session is held remotely and can be attended independently. These sessions are a great option if you are looking to better understand your taxes and feel more prepared before filing. Additional details and registration information are available via the button below.
If you or your family earned less than $69,000 in 2025, you may qualify for free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA provides no-cost tax-filing assistance from IRS-certified volunteers. Trained volunteers help make sure your tax return is completed accurately, that you receive the maximum refund you are eligible for, and that you are screened for valuable credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Britepaths is excited to partner with the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) to offer our clients free tickets to the PLL Championship games at The St. James in Springfield, VA. This is a fun opportunity for individuals and families to enjoy a professional sporting event at no cost.
As you think about your next career move, one important step is learning to tell your story clearly and confidently. This month's tip comes from our Workforce Development volunteer and retired Chief Human Capital Officer, Tom P. As a Workforce Development coach, Tom encourages job seekers to think about their career as a set of connected puzzle pieces that come together to tell a complete story.
There are three key areas that work together during a job search:
Self-Reflection: Take time to think about what you have accomplished so far and where you would like your career to go next. Understanding your strengths, experiences, and goals helps shape the story you want to tell.
Written Communication: Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters should tell a clear and consistent story about who you are and what you bring to an employer.
Verbal Communication: When networking, sharing your elevator pitch, or interviewing, focus on the same key themes to keep your message consistent and confident.
Hypothermia Prevention Program During Winter Months
During the winter, Fairfax County operates a Hypothermia Prevention Program to ensure that no one experiencing homelessness is left outside in dangerous cold weather. The program runs til March 31 and provides warm shelter, meals, clothing, and connections to supportive services for unhoused individuals. Adults who need shelter may go directly to a regional Hypothermia Prevention Program location. Adults with children should contact Coordinated Services Planning. County staff will help connect families to appropriate shelter and other available resources.
Financial scams are on the rise, and anyone can be targeted. Scammers often pretend to be trusted organizations, employers, banks, or even the IRS. They tend to use fear to pressure people into acting quickly.
Common red flags include:
Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
Messages claiming you "owe money" and must pay immediately
Unexpected calls, texts, or emails asking for personal information
Promises that sound too good to be true
If something feels off, pause. Legitimate organizations will not demand immediate payment or sensitive information without proper documentation.
If you believe you've encountered a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps protect you and others.
When in doubt: slow down, verify, and ask for help.
