Contributed
Hundreds of volunteers are ready to help people throughout the area prepare tax returns at no cost during the next few months.
United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s (UWGC) Free Tax Prep initiative is underway and aims to build on last season’s success when volunteers filed more than 8,000 returns, saved taxpayers more than $2 million in filing fees and helped them claim over $9 million in federal refunds.
People spend about $275 on tax prep and filing fees annually. If they can’t afford to have their return prepared by a paid credentialed preparer, people may ask someone not qualified to help, try to prepare the return on their own or opt out of filing altogether. In these cases, the taxpayer risks not capturing all the credits and refund dollars they’re owed.
That’s where IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services can help. Different organizations throughout the country offer these resources, including United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Free Tax Prep initiative locally.
“Tax prep can be complicated — we get it — and it’s so important for people to know they have options,” said Moira Weir, UWGC president and CEO. “We’re committed to ensuring individuals and families in our community have a fair shot at financial stability. Working with an IRS-trained volunteer to prepare your taxes for free can be a meaningful step toward economic well-being.”
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the nation’s largest need-tested, antipoverty program that provides cash benefits — benefits that are only accessible by filing a tax return. In 2024, filers who worked with UWGC to claim their EITC received an average of $1,741. Yet, the IRS reports 20% of eligible Americans leave this money on the table each year.
For families like Paris and Mikey’s from Madisonville, such a refund is essential. They both claimed the EITC and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) last year and received a $5,000 refund. “It’s very important,” Paris said, “because it can help with bills — gas, food, basic necessities. We have a large family, so it’ll help a lot.”
Chris Prime volunteers at three Free Tax Prep sites. “An awful lot of people walk away (feeling) really relieved,” Prime said. “They can fix their car or pay their mortgage.”
MyFreeTaxes.com is a quick, convenient filing option for those who wish to file on their own. It’s a free self-filing tool available through United Way Worldwide. MyFreeTaxes uses TaxSlayer software, a tax service with over 50 years of experience in the industry. The software guides you through the return, and answers to common questions are available over the phone.
Free Tax Prep, a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program funded by the IRS and United Way and powered by a network of volunteers, helps families achieve economic well-being. To schedule an appointment, visit uwgc.org/FTP, contact United Way 211 or email freetax@uwgc.org.