HOW DOES FREE TAX PREP HELP FILE MY TAXES?
American families on average spend more than $300 a year on tax preparation and filing fees. Why pay for tax preparation when United Way offers services to do your taxes for free?
Some popular tax-preparation companies and chains may offer advances on your refund if you use their services, but they still deduct pricey fees, which means less money in your pocket. And you may not get the full refund you deserve.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH AN EXTRA $300?
With United Way’s Free Tax Prep, what you save in fees could mean the difference between paying down a credit card, starting (or adding to) an emergency fund, catching up on medical bills or getting a car repaired.
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SUMMER TAX SERVICES
Beginning in May, United Way of Greater Cincinnati will offer summer tax services. This is an ideal time to amend a return or file for past tax years. Those who did not receive the Child Tax Credit in 2021 or any of the Economic Impact Payments or “Stimulus” checks in 2020 or 2021 can still file for those dollars!
Summer appointments can only be scheduled one month in advance.
Check the “Locations and Appointments” section below for details about where to go for summer tax services.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
OUR SERVICES
Before you spend several hundred dollars on a fee-based service, connect with one of United Way’s Free Tax Prep sites to access the service that meets your needs.
- MyFreeTaxes.com is a free self-filing tool available through United Way Worldwide.
- Complete your return on your own at your own pace. MyFreeTaxes uses TaxSlayer software, a tax service with over 50 years of experience in the industry. The software guides you through the return and there's additional help available to answer common questions.
- Self-prep at Free Tax Prep sites ("FSA" option) is a self-filing tool but with support and assistance available on site.
- Prepare and file your own basic state and federal tax forms using TaxSlayer web-based tax software with help from a tax coach who is an IRS-certified volunteer.
- Traditional Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites provide multiple options.
- Free tax return preparation offers either in-person or drop-off services.
- Sites are operated by experienced IRS-certified volunteers to help taxpayers complete basic state and federal tax returns.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The following are all eligible for our free tax preparation and filing services. If you have questions about your eligibility, please call us at 211 or 513-721-7900, option 0 for “All other services.”
- Low-to-moderate-income taxpayers.
- Individuals & families on fixed incomes.
- College students.
- People with disabilities.
- Those with limited English language abilities.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Each tax year you may be required to bring new forms or information. Keep current on what you need each tax season by reviewing IRS.gov’s Publication 3676-A checklist.
You can also save time by completing IRS Intake Form 13614-CÂ ahead of time and bringing it with you to your appointment.
WHERE CAN I GO?
NEW IN 2023! Visit our new interactive map for an up-to-date listing of all tax sites this season. Links in the site description to schedule an appointment.
Search by ZIP code to find the most convenient location for you. Filter locations by service model, appointment types and more. This map can also help you get driving directions and bus route information!
We also offer a printable version of our site list in .pdf format with descriptions, schedules and links to schedule an appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is my tax refund?
- I haven't received my refund yet. What should I do?
ÂTo understand how federal returns are processed, 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.
For those seeking information about their state return, you can visit the following state agencies:
- Ohio Department of Taxation - https://tax.ohio.gov/individual
- Kentucky Department of Revenue - https://revenue.ky.gov/
- Indiana Department of Revenue - https://www.in.gov/dor/
What if I cannot find a site or file by April 18, 2023?
- What if I cannot find a site or file by April 18, 2023?
- Any taxpayer may still file after the April 18 deadline. Those who do not owe will not incur a penalty.
- Taxpayers who are unsure if they will owe can file a federal extension by obtaining IRS Form 4868 at: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf.
Your extension to file is not an extension to pay a potential tax bill. Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return. - Those who do not file by April 18, 2023, but have filed for an extension, will have until October 16, 2023, to e-file their federal return.
Do I qualify for Free Tax Prep?
- Do I qualify for Free Tax Prep?
ÂYou can usually get help if you identify as low-to-moderate-income and live in the Greater Cincinnati area.
For a list of forms that are not within our preparation scope, visit IRS.gov’s Publication 3676-A . 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.
What do I need to file my taxes?
- What do I Need to File my Taxes?
ÂFor a full list of documents required to file taxes visit the Checklist for Free Tax Return Preparation | Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov).
How to I find a Free Tax Prep site near me?
- How do I find a Free Tax Prep service near me?
ÂCall 211 or 513-721-7900, option 0 for "All other services,"Â to find the best option for you.
HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
For more information about Free Tax Prep or if you have any questions, email us at freetax@uwgc.org or call us at 211 or 513-721-7900, option 0 for "All other services."
WANT TO HELP OR BECOME A PARTNER?
To become a Free Tax Prep partner organization or volunteer, visit uwgc.org/tax-volunteer.
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