Free Tax Preparation Services
United Way on behalf of the Cash Coalition, in partnership with AARP Tax-Aide and the IRS, provides free tax preparation services for low-to-moderate income workers and the elderly. IRS-Certified tax counselors help families and individuals claim credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is the largest program benefitting the low income wage earner.
In 2009, United Way spearheaded volunteer recruitment and marketing for the ten free tax sites in Spokane County. As a result,
- 32 new volunteers were recruited
- 5,120* returns were completed (10% increase from 2009)
- $5, 231, 407 were processed in refund and credit dollars
For our 2010 tax season, United Way and the YWCA as VITA sites - and incorporating into their tax sites, financial education and benefits support with a focus on reaching people with disabilities, Native Americans and victims of domestic violence.
Financial Education - We have an active financial education committee that each year focuses on doing a financial education event. This year, our day-long event was aimed at providing women in our community. Over 50 people attending to learn about various financial tools and support to help them build assets, save and put them on the path to financial stability.
*Our Coalition is currently exploring implementing a Bank-On initiative and integrating more financial education outreach into our free tax preparation efforts.