Free Tax Preparation

FREE TAX PREP PROGRAM

Many hardworking people in our region qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits, but aren't getting the full refund they deserve. United Way is committed to improving financial stability for individuals and families, so each year we offer Free Tax Prep to help families save approximately $250 in tax prep fees, get the credits they deserve and help them keep more of their money.

NOTE: If you are experiencing any delay accessing TaxSlayer through MyFreeTaxes.com or to request a guide for MyFreeTaxes.com, please email freetax@uwgc.org.

Skip to Free Tax Prep Frequently Asked Questions

Connect with us by:

• Accessing Free Tax Prep Services


• Volunteer with Free Tax Prep


• Be a Free Tax Prep partner

ABOUT FREE TAX PREP SERVICES

Free Tax Prep, an initiative of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, provides free income tax preparation and filing services. Funded by the IRS and powered by volunteers.

We offer services including preparing and filing your taxes on your behalf or supporting you in preparing and filing your taxes on your own.You can connect with Free Tax Prep online or in person. All in-person services have been modified to limit contact and ensure safe distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To determine the best Free Tax Prep Service for you, whether it's in-person or virtual, call United Way of Greater Cincinnati's 211 helpline or 513-762-7900. (TTY users can dial 513-762-7250 for assistance.)

For the most up-to-date list of sites, DOWNLOAD OUR SCHEDULE (PDF).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Do the changes to the American Rescue Plan impact my tax return?
  Download the FAQ Guide (.pdf) here.




• What do I do if I think I need to amend my 2020 return? Download the FAQ Guide (.pdf) here.




• I haven't received my refund yet. What should I do?
  Due to the high-volume of 2020 tax returns filed, a significant backlog of unprocessed 2019 paper tax returns, IRS resource issues, and technology problems, taxpayers are experiencing refund delays. The IRS is manually verifying large numbers of Refund Recovery Credits (RRCs), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Advance Child Tax Credit (ACTC) 2019 adjusted income lookback claims. As of May 2021, the number of tax returns held by the IRS totaled 30 million. For more specifics on the state of returns, visit the NTA Blog: Lifecycle of a Tax Return - Taxpayer Advocate Service on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can continue to check the status of their refund by utilizing the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.



• Do I qualify for Free Tax Prep?
  You can usually get help if you identify as low-to-moderate income and live in the Greater Cincinnati area. In limited cases, income restrictions may apply based on total income and family size. For a list of forms that are not within our preparation scope, visit IRS.gov's Publication 3676-A (Rev. 10-2020) - (.pdf). This will also help you determine what forms can be prepared and the essential documents to ensure your taxes are prepared on your first visit.


• How do I find a Free Tax Prep service near me?
  Call 211 or 513-762-7900 to find the best option for you.


• What do I Need to File my Taxes?
  Use the list below to gather all the documents and forms you’ll need to get started with Free Tax Prep. Any item with a star (*) is mandatory; without it, you will be unable to access Free Tax Prep. All other items are highly recommended. For a full list of documents required to file taxes visit the Checklist for Free Tax Return Preparation | Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov).
  

REQUIRED Personal Information (You / Spouse / Dependents)

• Photo identification for primary individual(s) filing the return (you / spouse)*


• Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number cards for everyone listed on the return (you, spouse, and dependents or children).*


• Birth dates of everyone listed on the return (you, spouse, and dependents or children).*


• Last Year’s Tax Return.


• Information about your stimulus payment — also known as an economic impact payment (EIP). You may have IRS Notice 1444 or other records showing your EIP amount.


• Canceled check or bank-routing and account numbers for direct deposit, if you choose.


• If applicable: Identity Protection PIN, if one has been issued to you, your spouse, or your dependent by the IRS.


• Income Information: All W-2, 1099 forms and other information for income received in 2020 by you, spouse, and dependent(s).


• Credit and deduction documentation.