It’s tax season and like years past, there’s a lot of information available aimed to help you prepare and file your taxes. Tax preparation and laws aren’t always easy to understand, nor simple to weed through and often come at a cost to process and complete. However, United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) has partnered with several organizations across the region to help bring quality free tax counseling, filing and education using qualified tax professionals through its Financial Empowerment Centers and other financial partners.
If your household made under $66,000 in 2019, you qualify to receive a free tax return filingfrom MyFreeTaxes.coman online tax return resource. Unlike other ‘free’ tax sites, MyFreeTaxes files both state and federal tax, saving users on average close to $2000 in refunds. The process is easy, secure and guaranteed 100% accuracy when you file to include applying any eligible tax credits to your return when you file.
If you prefer to work with a tax professional and your household made under $56,000 in 2019, you may visit one of United Way NCA’s nearly 50 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) locations in the region to receive free tax assistance. All VITA preparers are IRS certified tax professionals, bringing high quality assistance at no costs to all eligible returns. Volunteers work individually with participants to assess your financial situation, educate you on the tax preparation process, and help walk you through benefits or deductions you may be eligible for such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), sometimes saving you thousands of dollars on your return.
Seek Financial Empowerment
In addition to utilizing the free tax services, United Way NCA’s four Financial Empowerment Centersin the region are free to anyone who makes an appointment. FECs across the region are assisting families rebuild their credit scores, launch their businesses, refurbish their savings, focus on workforce development and much more. All services and workshops offered through the Financial Empowerment Centers are completely free to all, no matter your income level.
Thousands of families and individuals save millions every year using the tax services offered through United Way NCA’s VITA programand receive financial coaching and guidance at one of our four FECs in the National Capital Area. United Way NCA is fighting every day to knock down financial barriers for our neighbors across the region. We’re investing in programs and initiatives that help individuals and families in the National Capital Area achieve what, for many, may seem impossible. Our community wins when everyone is living with enough financial resources and knowledge to build a foundation, and a future. Learn more about our Financial Stabilitywork today.
