LTC 186-2017 City Recognized for its Tax Preparation ServicesMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 186 -2017
LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Mayor Philip Levine and Members of t - City ommission
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: April 6, 2017
SUBJECT: City Recognized for its Tax Preparation Services
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to advise the Mayor and Commission that the
Internal Review Service has recognized the City for its efforts to provide free tax preparation
services to our residents.
The City's Office of Housing and Community Services has provided free tax preparation
services to our residents since 2012. Each year, the City has grown the number of people it has
been able to serve. This year, the City's growth rate hit 29 percent above last year's
performance with less than two weeks remaining in the tax season. The City served 197 clients
by April 4th, up from 183 at the end of last tax season. The growth rate was among the highest
in the county and was notable as new tax software was implemented this year.
The Internal Review Service (IRS) reached out to staff to learn how the City achieved this
growth and will be utilizing the Office of Housing and Community Services as a best practice
site for Miami -Dade County. Special note was made of the community outreach efforts led by
the Office of Communications which helped promote tax services through social media, online
and print materials. Furthermore, the IRS has nominated the City for three awards given by the
agency: Partner Innovation, Community Involvement and VITA/TCE Best Practice.
As a reminder, we will continue to provide free tax preparation services by appointment only
through April 14th. A limited amount of appointments remain available.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Maria Ruiz, Director, Office of Housing
and Community Services.
JLM /KGB /MLR