With a mid-April tax-filing deadline just about 10 weeks away, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg is once again offering free tax preparation for households with incomes below $56,000.
United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program officially begins today with 16 tax sites across Richmond, Hanover County, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Charles City, Goochland County and Petersburg.
United Way’s local team of more than 200 IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers assist taxpayers with completing and electronically filing both federal and state returns. This program also encourages customers to think about ways to save, implement financial best practices and make plans for achieving financial independence. And for those with low to moderate income, the service helps eligible taxpayers take advantage of potential tax savings through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
“United Way’s tax assistance program not only helps ease the anxiety and stress that comes with tax preparation, but the service also promotes financial well-being, one of our nine Steps to Success,” said James Taylor, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg. “Over the past decade and a half, this service has made a tangible difference for local families, particularly those who have taken advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit. This program saves money, reduces tax bills and increases the size of refunds for people who need it the most. We encourage all eligible families to take advantage of this free service.”
In 2019, local United Way volunteers helped secure more than $3 million in tax refunds for 3,667 households in our area. Families who took advantage of the service received a total of $838,300 in EITC funds from the IRS. The average household income for customers was $22,900.
The 16 United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance partner locations across Greater Richmond and Petersburg are open at different times and days in order to accommodate a variety of schedules. Find more information at https://www.yourunitedway.org/tax/. A list of sites with operating times is available here.
