(844) 444-4211
In response to the safety and well-being of our employees, volunteers, and customers, we have developed an alternative process to continue United Way’s Free Tax Prep program amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Our solution is low-risk to the public, while still providing the same level of service for those who need to file their tax returns–a Walk-Up Drop-Off solution. Clients will need to wear a mask and practice 6 feet social distancing in order to be serviced. Please review the ‘Site & Filing Information’ section below or dial 1-888-709-0630 for more information.
Thank you for the trust you put in United Way, our Free Tax Prep program, and the many volunteers who serve the community with this important service.
FREE TAX PREP OVERVIEW
United Way of the Mid-South, in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, formed a coalition of local businesses, nonprofit agencies, members of the faith-based community, and the public sector in 2002 to initiate the Free Tax Prep program. This partnership increases awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the nation’s greatest anti-poverty tool. Enacted by Congress in 1976, the EITC lifts thousands of Mid-South families out of poverty each year. The partnership also provides free income tax preparation and electronic filing for low to moderate-income individuals and families. The mission of the Free Tax Preparation Initiative is threefold:
- Provide a safe and free alternative to paid predatory tax preparation services through VITA,
- Promote awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC),
- Promote financial literacy and savings.
Free Tax Prep is a proud part of United Way’s Driving the Dream initiative to improve the lives of individuals & families, helping people move out of poverty & see their dreams come true. Through recruiting and training volunteers to help people prepare and file their income taxes, United Way is bringing income back to the Mid-South, improving the lives of individuals, families, and boosting our local economy. When a family struggling to make ends meet uses our free tax preparation help instead of (often) spending hundreds of dollars with tax preparers, it can make a huge difference.
United Way Free Tax Prep also helps people avoid predatory lending practices at less-than-reputable tax centers, and provides access to information about savings, financial literacy, and healthy financial practices. Last year, United Way Free Tax Prep helped bring in over $14 million in refunds and ensured over $4.65 million in Earned Income Tax Credits were claimed by local citizens. The average refund was over $1,500.
Site & Filing Information
This year’s site locations are listed below. When you visit one of the site locations, please be sure to wear a mask and practice 6ft social distancing. Contact 2-1-1 or 1-888-709-0630 for site operating hours.
Site Locations
Site hours are subject to change. Please contact 2-1-1 or 1-888-709-0630 for the most accurate information.
View locations and hours HERE.
If you are a taxpayer who has dropped off your taxes at a tax site that is now closed and needs to complete the tax filing process, please visit United Way Plaza located on 1005 Tillman St., Memphis, TN 38112 during the operating hours listed below.
- Saturday, April 16, 2022, 10 AM – 3 PM
- Monday, April 18, 2022, 9 AM – 3 PM
- Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 9 AM – 3 PM
- Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 9 AM – 3 PM (Last day to pick up until Extended Tax Prep begins Thursday, May 12, 2022)
Please be sure to bring your photo I.D. and SSN card(s) to confirm your identity.
Filing Information
Clients will need to bring the following items to a Free Tax Prep site:
- Photo I.D., if filing joint the spouse’s Photo I.D. is also required
- Social Security cards and birth dates, if filing joint or claiming dependents, the spouse and dependents Social Security cards must be provided as well
- All W-2’s, 1099’s, and information on other income
- Information for all deductions/credits
- Total paid to daycare and their tax I.D. number
- Health Insurance 1095 form
- Account information for direct deposit
- If married filing joint, both spouses must be present
- OPTIONAL: You can download or print the intake packet forms HERE, fill them out at home, and bring it with you to the tax site to cut your visit there. Spanish version available HERE.
2022 TAXPAYER FREE TAX PREP DROP OFF/PICK UP INSTRUCTIONS
*EVERYONE MUST WEAR A MASK COVERING THEIR NOSE AND MOUTH AND PRACTICE 6 FT SOCIAL DISTANCING.*
STEP 1:
- The taxpayer will sign the Customer Sign-In sheet at the Intake table and take one of the large black and white tax return envelopes. They will need to read and fill out the forms to completion enclosed:
- IRS Form 14446 – (Taxpayers Consent for Drop Off/Pick Up Tax Preparation Process)
- The 13614-c – yellow Intake/Interview – 4 pages
- Stimulus & Advanced Child Tax Credit Worksheet
- The Customer Demographics Survey – both sides
- The Customer Satisfaction Survey
- Free Tax Prep Taxpayer Impact Questionnaire
- Upon completion, please return all forms to the envelope and enclose:
- Picture ID
- Social Security cards for the taxpayer(s) and all dependent(s) to be listed on the return
- Wage and Income documents (W-2s and1099s)
- Health insurance 1095 form
STEP 2:
- The taxpayer will then give the envelope to the IRS certified Screener
- The IRS certified Screener will review the taxpayer’s intake forms and documents, then return the originals to the taxpayer. The IRS certified Screener will then instruct the taxpayer to leave the tax site.
- An IRS certified Tax Preparer will prepare the taxpayer’s tax return at a later time, typically within 24 -72 hours.
STEP 3:
- After the return is prepared, an IRS certified Quality Reviewer will review the return and contact the taxpayer via phone or text message to discuss/answer any questions or concerns.
- With the taxpayer’s approval of the return, the Quality Reviewer will schedule a time for the taxpayer to COME BACK TO THE TAX SITE, sign the permission form 8879 to e-file, and pick up their copy.
*A RETURN CANNOT BE TRANSMITTED TO THE IRS WITHOUT THE TAXPAYER’S SIGNATURE ON THE FORM 8879. VOLUNTEERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE.*
We wish to recognize our supporters
Please thank these organizations for helping make United Way Free Tax Prep possible!
Alternative filing methods that do NOT require going to a Free Tax Prep site.
MyFreeTaxes is a self-filing option.
Click the MyFreeTaxes icon to utilize the self-filing method.
GetYourRefund is a virtual volunteer tax preparation option.
An IRS certified volunteer can prepare your tax return virtually. You will need to click the icon, follow the prompts, fill out the intake packet, upload the items mentioned to the system, and respond to any contacts made by the volunteer. This process can be completed via computer, laptop, smartphone, tablets, etc. Please click the icon to utilize this feature.
VOLUNTEER
Help thousands of individuals and families get the most from their tax returns! You can volunteer and make a dramatic difference for people in poverty. Help people in need to drive their dreams of financial freedom and peace of mind with United Way’s Free Tax Prep program. Imagine assisting a family with three children with nearly $6,660 in tax credits to help escape poverty and make their dreams come true (based on 2020 EITC maximum credit amounts, IRS). United Way Free Tax Prep is helping thousands of households across the Mid-South with less than $68,000 of income, and we need your help!
Volunteer Information
All Volunteers must meet the IRS certification requirements. Volunteers can attend a 12 hr. training class in Tax Law and Tax Slayer Software or self-study by using the IRS’ Link and Learn Taxes e-learning program.
- The free training and materials will be provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and United Way of the Mid-South.
- Volunteers are protected under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
- Volunteers must possess a friendly attitude and adhere to the privacy and confidentiality of taxpayers’ information.
- Ensure they receive the necessary training to feel confident in their roles.
- Provide feedback and support throughout tax season.
The Free Tax Prep program offers several roles one can volunteer as.
- Greeters welcome customers, assist with the sign-ins and surveys, and initiate clients through the tax process.
◊ 1 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct.
- Screeners help taxpayers complete our short intake/interview process and assist people with the paperwork they need to meet with a tax preparer.
◊ 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Basic Tax Law
- Tax Preparers connect people with tax credits and refunds by preparing federal and state tax returns.
◊ 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Law
◊ 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
- Quality Reviewers ensure that the taxpayer’s tax return is accurate based on the Intake/Interview Sheet, and the supporting documents provided by the taxpayer and the interview with the taxpayer.
◊ 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Law
◊ 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
- Site Coordinator/Assistant Site Coordinator open and manage a Free Tax Prep site, oversee volunteer personnel, capture results, review returns for accuracy, and work alongside United Way team members and IRS staff.
◊ 4 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review , Advanced Tax Law, and Site Coordinator
◊ 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
JOIN US! Apply today and begin one of the most rewarding experiences of your life by clicking the Volunteer Here button below and filling out the Free Tax Prep Volunteer Application.
We look forward to working with you!
