Finding Financial Peace of Mind Through Free Tax Clinics

When children’s book author Sade Harvison made her appointment with the free tax clinic offered by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 614 File Free, she only expected to get her taxes filed. But ultimately Sade received something much greater than just a tax refund: financial peace of mind.

Sade first learned about Nationwide Children’s tax assistance program in 2023 through her work as a Columbus City Schools’ Family Ambassador. Among other responsibilities, Ambassadors connect students’ families with community resources like food pantries, utility bill support and more.

Sade knows how essential these resources are. In addition to writing a children’s book series, she is also raising her three sons, who range in age from a high school graduate to a third grader. She never turns down an opportunity that could help her family. After learning she was eligible for the tax clinic program, she jumped at the chance to get her taxes done for free.

“It was easy,” Sade said. She brought her ID, her children’s social security numbers and her tax forms to her appointment. The tax preparer handled the rest. Overall, she was pleased with the program. “I recommend it to the families I work with,” she said. “If a family needs their taxes done, I’ll link them up with Nationwide Children’s.”

But this year, her appointment offered more than a tax return. Sade was also told she was a candidate for a new matched savings program. “At first it sounded too good to be true,” Sade said. She completed the required financial literacy courses, opened a savings account with Nationwide Children’s credit union partner, and deposited the amount she wanted to be matched into that account. Eligible participants could receive a match on their tax refund up to $5,000.

Between her tax refund and the savings match, Sade was able to afford two things her family needed. First: a working car. “My car broke down the week before Christmas,” Sade said. Ride-share simply wasn’t a sustainable option for her family. Having a decent vehicle lifted that extra transportation and financial burden from her shoulders.

And there was an even greater benefit to come.

One of the required financial courses for the matched savings program was about the importance of life insurance. “My aunt had told me to get life insurance for myself and the kids,” Sade said. She had thought about it at the time, but she credits what she learned from the matched savings program – and the funds it provided – for encouraging her to take the leap. “In the Black community, life insurance isn’t something that’s talked about enough,” Sade continued. “I do wish more people knew what a relief it can be.”

Thanks to 614 File Free and the matched savings program, Sade had the opportunity to make good financial choices for her family, for both the short- and long-term.

To learn more about our free tax clinics or to schedule an appointment for this tax season, visit 614FileFree.org.

Published January 2025