Free Tax Preparation

Did you know you can file your taxes for FREE? Last year United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) partners filed over 19,400 tax returns for low-income families and seniors with the help of 740 IRS-trained volunteers. This included tax refunds of over $17 million for families in the St. Louis Metro Area.

The volunteers make sure each tax filer receives all of the tax credits that they qualify for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can be up to $7,430 for working families with children.

Click here to see the list of VITA sites in the St. Louis Metro Area that will be doing free tax preparation. 

DO YOU QUALIFY?

Your household income must have been less than $60,000 last year to qualify for free tax preparation. Simply dial 2-1-1 to learn if you qualify or to find the nearest tax preparation site.

HOW IT WORKS

  • Most tax sites are by appointment only. Call 2-1-1 (1.800.427.4626) or visit our site listing to get information about how to make an appointment or find a walk-in location.
  • The 211 operators will assist you in finding the tax site most convenient for you and will give you a phone number to call to make an appointment or a website where you can make your appointment online.
  • IRS-certified volunteers prepare and e-file your federal and state tax returns for FREE!
  • Receive your refund more quickly when you take advantage of FREE, fast direct deposit.
  • You may qualify to receive up to $7,430 cash back when you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This is a tax credit for working families that meet specific income requirements.
  • Families that had a reduction in income this year may qualify for the tax credit where they may never have received the tax credit before.
  • The EITC is designed to help lower taxes and increase income for working families in lower tax brackets.
  • See if you qualify for the EITC: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/do-i-qualify-for-earned-income-tax-credit-eitc.

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

  • All W-2s and 1099s
  • Social Security Cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for all family members
  • Valid picture ID for taxpayer and spouse (Driver’s License, State ID, Passport)
  • If married and filing jointly, both spouses must be present to sign
  • Copy of prior-year tax return
  • Any recent letters from the IRS including child tax credit Letter 6419, or letter with your PIN number if applicable
  • 1098 or real estate tax receipt
  • Proof of unemployment compensation
  • A copy of a voided check or bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
  • Proof of childcare expenses
  • Parcel number (Illinois homeowners only)
  • Forms 1095-A, B and C (Health Coverage Statement)
  • For Missouri Circuit Breaker returns bring MO Form 5674 completed and signed by property owner, or paid real estate tax receipt, plus proof of SSI income, and VA benefits award letter if applicable

 

 WHAT WE PREPARE 

  • Form 1040
  • Schedule B, C (some limitations), EIC & R
  • Form 1040 – V
  • Form 1040 – ES
  • Form 2441 (Child and dependent care credit)
  • Form 8863 (Education credits)
  • Form 8812 (Additional child tax credit)

 

 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

If you have a simple return and feel comfortable using a computer, the United Way Worldwide’s My Free Taxes online tax site can help. Go to www.MyFreeTaxes.com to learn more. You can prepare your state and federal return for free.

Do you have a bank account?  You can open a Bank On account with no overdraft fees. To learn more, go to https://www.moneysmartstlouis.org/affordable-banking/.

Tax Time Savings: Tax time is a great time to save. Consider setting money aside in an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.