Free tax prep for Niagara County residents

Beginning Jan. 31, with locations in Lockport and Niagara Falls

√ Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo changes name to Parachute Credit Counseling

Parachute Credit Counseling – formerly known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo (CCCS) – announced it is launching the ninth year of its “Niagara County Free Tax Preparation Program” on Jan. 31. Parachute will use a “drop-off” process, with sites in Niagara Falls at Pinnacle Community Services, 1522 Main St.; and in Lockport, at the Lockport Library, 23 East Ave.

A press release stated, “Individuals must call Parachute’s main office at 716-712-2060 to schedule a time to drop off their documents. Certified, trained Parachute tax volunteers then prepare the tax returns remotely. Tax filers will be given a time to go back to the drop-off site to review their return and provide their signature to e-file the return. They will receive a copy of the completed return, as well. Those interested are encouraged to call now – 716-712-2060 – to set up their drop-off appointment, as appointments book up very quickly.”

Parachute also provides additional free services to the community. Certified financial counselors work with people of all economic levels to improve their financial stability. The areas of greatest need include debt repayment assistance, credit repair/repayment, credit report review, student loan assistance, budgeting techniques, small business development and housing/homeownership/foreclosure mitigation. Parachute also offers frequent free virtual workshops on relevant, timely topics.

CCCS rebranded to Parachute in December 2022, when it determined it “needed a name that better reflected its power and potential.”

“We wanted to change our name and logo to reflect our mission of making our clients feel empowered and not embarrassed about their debt,” Parachute President and CEO Noelle Carter said. “It takes courage to make that leap, and we are here to be a parachute – a guide – on the journey to financial stability and becoming debt free.”

For more information on Parachute’s service offerings, call 716-712-2060 or visit Home - Parachute (parachutecreditcounseling.org).