CINCINNATI (Sept. 25, 2024) — United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) is recruiting volunteers to prepare tax returns for thousands of individuals during the 2025 tax filing season starting in January. UWGC believes all families should be able to achieve economic well-being, and Free Tax Prep volunteers play a vital role in supporting the organization's mission by keeping more money in local families' pockets.

UWGC 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.

"American families spend, on average, more than $275 on tax prep and filing fees annually," said UWGC President and CEO Moira Weir. "With our Free Tax Prep Initiative, the money families save in fees can make the difference between paying rent, putting more toward a credit card payment, catching up on medical bills, or getting a vehicle repaired. Without our incredible volunteers, we wouldn't see the lasting impact this service has on the community."

For those interested in volunteering, join an upcoming online information session where the Tax Prep team will answer questions about UWGC, its community support efforts and the certifications and skills needed to volunteer. Free Tax Prep training will begin Wednesday, Dec. 4, and will cover topics such as the anatomy of a tax return, IRS forms, tax software, and what happens at a tax site. Free Tax Prep services begin in late January and continue through April, with in-person, drop-off, and virtual options available.

"At United Way of Greater Cincinnati, we work hard to achieve financial well-being in our community, and a key part of that is ensuring our neighbors can accurately file their tax returns," said Adrienne Brandicourt, program manager for UWGC's Free Tax Prep initiative. "Every year, all available tax prep appointments are filled, so recruiting enough volunteers is critical."

You don't need to be a tax expert to volunteer. There are roles for people of all interests, and UWGC provides training and ongoing support. Individuals can volunteer alone or as part of a group at a designated tax site.

UWGC is seeking volunteers who are:

• Personable and friendly
• Comfortable working with a diverse group of clients
• Willing to ask questions
• Ready to learn and use tax preparation and facilitation software
• Willing to learn new skills
• Able to adhere to high ethical standards

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.

For more information about becoming a Free Tax Prep volunteer, email [email protected] or visit www.uwgc.org/taxvolunteer.

United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) fights for the economic well-being of all people in Greater Cincinnati so our entire community can thrive – now and in the future. Founded in 1915, UWGC is one of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations. It is committed to working alongside policymakers, community partners and donors to promote educational success, financial empowerment and housing security. Learn more about UWGC’s work across nine counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at UWGC.org. #UnitedWeThrive