Clara works two part-time jobs and makes $30,000 a year to support herself and her two children. Every week she makes decisions on how to budget their money. This week Clara is forced to choose whether to bring her car into the shop or pay for dental care on her youngest son’s cavity.
This tax season Clara plans on visiting a United Way Free Tax Prep site, where volunteers will file her taxes and connect her to public benefits, all at no cost. Her coworker went last year, and told her she received a windfall $3,000 refund. This meant she didn’t have to choose between some of her basic needs that month. And, with her newfound connection to public benefits, her friend had even longer- lasting support.
Taxes can be stressful. Paid preparers charge upwards of $300 for a tax return, and often don’t inform clients of certain credits and saving opportunities. United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign trains volunteers specifically to help low- and moderate-income filers. With no prior experience neededexcept our two-day training, our Volunteer Tax Preparers ensure clients obtain the refunds they’re eligible for.
Our Volunteer Intake & Benefit Specialists come in for our one-day training, and can screen and connect families to public benefits, such as food and utilities assistance.
Each volunteer on average, brings $30,000 back to the community. Last year, we served 22,700 people and brought back a total of $30.5 million to the community! This year, we’re aiming for 23,000 tax returns filed. To do this, we need more volunteers helping at one of our 30 sites around King County.
So join our talented team, receive training that boosts your skills, and help reach the people who need it most. No experience needed!
Find a Free Tax Prep location near you and get involved by clicking here.
