United Way Services of Geauga County encourages Americans earning $62,000 or less to keep more of their hard-earned money this tax season by using a free, online tax preparation service and accessing valuable tax credits. Qualifying residents can also get help doing their taxes in person through community volunteers by dialing 2-1-1.
MyFreeTaxes is a mobile-optimized software program allowing free federal and state tax preparation and filing. The self-file service is available for anyone earning $62,000 or less. Free, in-person filing assistance is offered locally through AARP at Geauga libraries and through the Geauga Department on Aging (for those over age 60). On average, filers can save $200 in tax preparation fees by using the free platform.
“We realize that many in our community are overwhelmed with the complexity of completing a tax return,” says Kimm Leininger, Executive Director of United Way Services of Geauga County. “By dialing 2-1-1, residents can speak to a resource specialist who can connect them with local volunteers who can provide in-person tax help, or refer them to MyFreeTaxes.com. We know that tax refunds and tax credits help many in our community achieve greater financial stability, and we want to help them keep more of what they earn.”
Limited Awareness of Tax Credits
Many low-income adults are unaware that they are eligible for tax credits. Just four in ten adults reported awareness of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), while fewer than 60 percent said they are familiar with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Almost 20 percent were not aware of any tax credits they could access.
In working to boost financial stability, United Way has seen firsthand the power of connecting people to tax credits through MyFreeTaxes and 2-1-1. “Providing free tax preparation allows more dollars to stay in Geauga County,” says April Siegel-Green, Chairman of the United Way Board. “Valuable tax credits help our most vulnerable residents keep more of what they earn.”
Spending Refunds on Critical Needs
Tax refunds help working Americans put money in their pockets for everyday items and save for the future. About 23 percent of those asked say they spend their refunds for food, while 22 percent spend the money on housing costs; 31 percent use their refunds for utilities. A quarter of those who receive refunds put the money into savings or invest the funds for the future.
United Way Can Help With Tax Preparation
Filers can enter data into the secure MyFreeTaxes site anytime, from anywhere, making it easy to update the documents from home, at work or on mobile devices. The service also includes a helpline, 1-855-MY-TX-HELP, which operates through April 18 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday; staff will continue to provide assistance on a more limited basis through Oct. 15, based on demand. The website also provides a live chat function. To find a volunteer tax preparation site near you, dial 2-1-1.
MyFreeTaxes is provided by United Way, with the support of a grant from the Walmart Foundation. The tax filing software is provided by H&R Block and free tax support is available in English and Spanish by IRS-certified specialists.
United Way Services of Geauga County unites people and resources to improve lives. For detailed information about our strategies that improve education, financial stability and health, please click here.
