Tax time is quickly approaching - the deadline to file is April 15th and many Topekans are getting a head start this year.
"The tax pros have seen some of the people they might see (usually) in March coming in early, and I do think the economy plays a big role in that," said Kelly Cross, an office manager at a local H&R Block. "Everybody's needing their money quicker."
Cross said her company offers services such as audit protection and reviewing previous years returns that folks might not get elsewhere.
"We are free," said Alice Schimmel.
Schimmel works at Community Action in Southeast Topeka. Volunteers from the AARP are there Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am until 3pm to help with taxes. They are also available at other locations across town on different days.
Turbo Tax software is another option for filing one's own taxes, and their Web site also has tools for self-filers. The IRS's Web site, irs.gov, also has services for people filing on their own.
The IRS recommends asking tax preparers about service fees before the return is prepared; not signing blank tax forms; and choosing a tax preparer who will be around to answer questions after the return is filed.
Reporter: Amy Wolf
Photographer: Rocky Arnold
