United Way Launches Annual Free Tax Preparation Service
RICHMOND, Va. (Jan. 31, 2024) – United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg has launched its tax assistance program that helps families work toward financial stability by providing free tax assistance through in-person tax sites as well as a virtual tax assistance service.
United Way’s team of IRS-certified tax preparers and volunteers will prepare income tax returns for qualifying families and individuals with incomes of $64,000 or less at 11 tax prep sites located throughout the city of Richmond and in the counties of Goochland, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover.
The United Way Tax Assistance Program aims to increase eligibility awareness for refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax credit for working people with low and moderate incomes, that many people miss claiming.
The EITC boosts the incomes of workers paid low wages while offsetting federal payroll and income taxes. The amount of the EITC depends on a recipient’s earned income amount, marital status, and number of children.
“Promoting financial independence and stability for families contributes to stronger communities,” said Barbara Couto Sipe, President and CEO at United Way. “The tax assistance program helps families in our region avoid debt, build savings and prepare for unanticipated expenses.”
The tax assistance program offers multiple ways for customers to receive tax assistance.
Options include scheduling an appointment, dropping off tax documents with a tax preparer or visiting one of the first come, first serve tax locations. Virginia residents can also complete taxes online through United Way’s online tax assistance site, GetYourRefund.org/uwgrp. This service opens January 31st.
Hours of operation for each tax site are subject to change and can be found on United Way’s website. The Sacred Heart Center in Richmond provides assistance for customers who speak Spanish and Portuguese.
“Our tax assistance program has been supporting the community since 2002 and could not exist without our dedicated volunteers,” said Cara Cardotti, Director of Tax Assistance Programs at United Way. “For individuals looking for a way to make an impact, we encourage you to consider becoming a greeter, tax preparer or interpreter.”
In 2023, the United Way Tax Assistance volunteers helped nearly 3,000 community members recover $2.6 million in tax returns and save over $670,000 in tax preparation fees.
A Do-It-Yourself option is also available for individuals who make up to $73,000 with free coaching from an IRS-certified volunteer to help customers successfully file tax returns. For more information on the service, individuals can contact tax@yourunitedway.org.
To learn more about the program and tax sites, visit United Way’s Tax Assistance website.
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About United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg empowers individuals and addresses systemic problems to provide everyone with a clear path to success. We do this by conducting research, funding programs and organizations, driving systems-level change and engaging with individuals in 13 localities across the region. Learn more at www.YourUnitedWay.org. [yourunitedway.org]
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