How much do I have to earn before filing a tax return?

Bay Area Legal does not prepare tax returns or determine whether you need to file a return.

We refer clients to VITA and AARP locations for assistance. These are open during the months before April 15th. Consult with a tax preparer to find out if you must file a tax return – or if it will be beneficial to file a return.

There are misconceptions about who must pay taxes.

You may have heard that once someone receives Social Security income, they do not have to pay taxes. (Or that full-time students do not have to pay taxes). These are not always true.

Whether you pay taxes depends on your individual situation.

Tax matters may be difficult to handle by yourself. You may contact Bay Area Legal to determine if you are eligible for our services.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinic

Do you have a tax problem with the IRS? Help is available!

The Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) provides free help to low income individuals who have a tax issue with the IRS.

Learn More & Request Help

Free Help with Landlord-Tenant Issues

Are you a Hillsborough County renter having housing problems? Help is available!

The Hillsborough County Housing Stability Program provides Hillsborough tenants the knowledge, resources, and services to effectively, efficiently, and amicably solve their disputes with their landlords outside the court system.

Learn More & Apply

Need information about available Family Law forms and the legal process?

The Legal Information Center is a free program to provide information to people who are representing themselves in Family Law cases in Hillsborough County. Get the information you need to make an informed decision about your case.

Learn More

Upcoming Legal Clinics

See All Clinics

Family Forms Clinic

Typically, Wednesdays and Fridays

10:00 am - 02:00 pm

Location

Hillsborough

The Family Forms Clinic is a free program to provide forms assistance to people representing themselves in family law cases in Hillsborough County.

Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)

Typically, daily hours Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location

Virtual,

Hillsborough,

Pasco,

Pinellas,

Manatee,

Sarasota

We provide free help to low income individuals who have a tax issue with the IRS.

Legal Information Center

Online: Typically, Monday-Friday. In-person: See schedule.

Location

Hillsborough

The Legal Information Center is a free program to provide information to people who are representing themselves in Family Law cases in Hillsborough County.

Apply for Services

Apply by phone Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or apply online anytime for non-emergency legal matters. Language interpreters are available to you at no cost.

How do I apply? Am I eligible?

Bay Area Legal Services

If you live or have a case in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, or Sarasota counties, we may be able to help.

Call (800) 625-2257 to apply for service.

Or complete our online application and we will call you back.

Statewide Legal Helplines

If you live or have a case in Florida, we may be able to help.

Senior Legal Helpline: (888) 895-7873

Veterans Legal Helpline: (866) 486-6161

Disaster Legal Helpline: (833) 514-2940

TTY: (800) 955-8771