United Way offering Free Tax Preparation Site
United Way
United Way of Mahaska County has partnered with the IRS and Iowans for Social and Economic Development to be able to offer their FREE Tax Preparation Site for the third year in a row.
IRS Certified VITA/TCE Volunteer Preparers help workers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and other credits and deductions. Each site is managed by a tax professional to answer volunteer questions, ensure quality, and manage overall site operations. Refunds can be electronically filed, and since there is no charge, taxpayers can keep all of their refund.
When asked about the Free Tax Site, Christy Bellinger, Executive Director at United Way of Mahaska County said, “We host the site in Mahaska County for residents who can’t afford to file their taxes, or who have been filing them on their own and possibly missing essential credits and deductions. Last year, with the help of volunteers, we prepared 137 returns, bringing $196,683 in federal and $21,156 in state refunds into the hands of people in our community.”
United Way is looking for volunteers to serve as receptionists on Saturdays. Additionally, they need volunteers willing to be trained by the IRS to complete the tax forms. All tax returns are submitted to a quality reviewer before they are filed to check for accuracy.
Taxes will be prepared by appointment only, primarily on Saturdays throughout the months of February and March. A limited number of appointments outside of these hours are available.
An income guideline of approximately $43,352 for a married couple with 3 or more children applies.
For detailed income guidelines, to schedule an appointment, or to volunteer contact United Way at 641-673-6043.
