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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
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.”
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.
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.
To 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:
You 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.
For a full list of documents required to file taxes visit the Checklist for Free Tax Return Preparation | Internal Revenue Service (IRS.gov).
Call 211 or 513-721-7900, option 0 for "All other services,"Â to find the best option for you.
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."
To become a Free Tax Prep partner organization or volunteer, visit uwgc.org/tax-volunteer.