CINCINNATI (Oct. 7, 2026) – United Way of Greater Cincinnati is recruiting volunteers to support its Free Tax Prep program during the 2027 filing season. Volunteers are essential to helping thousands of people save money on filing fees and access tax credits they’ve earned.
This past season, more than 500 IRS-certified volunteers in Greater Cincinnati worked alongside taxpayers to file almost 9,300 returns. In all, United Way’s local Free Tax Prep program saved filers about $2.5 million in preparation fees and helped them claim $11.1 million in refunds.
“Filing a tax return can be a turning point for a family’s financial well-being, opening the door to tax credits and refunds that can make a meaningful difference in a household budget,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “Yet too many eligible families miss out on credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, often because they don’t have access to affordable tax preparation. By volunteering with Free Tax Prep, you can help families claim the money they’ve earned and build greater financial stability.”
Free Tax Prep is a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program funded by the IRS and United Way. Services begin at the end of January and continue through April.
Volunteer Opportunities
Previous experience is not required. United Way offers training and ongoing support. In addition to tax preparers and reviewers, we also need greeters, intake specialists, interpreters and site coordinators at community tax sites. CPAs, CFPs and other qualified tax professionals can earn continuing education credits.
Individuals can volunteer on their own or as part of a group adopting a tax site. Tax sites are located throughout Greater Cincinnati, with shifts available weeknights, weekends and some weekdays. For the first time, volunteers can join our virtual site, where they can prepare and review tax returns at their convenience.
To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit uwgc.org/tax-volunteer.
