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Get Your Taxes Done for Free by United Way: Keep More─Save More

Banner graphic with orange background with royal blue letter that says, Tax Free Help. United Way of King County logo included.

Have you heard of this free service? Through April 19, any household making $66,000 or less can have their taxes prepared for FREE by United Way of King County.

With the help of over 1,000 IRS-trained and certified volunteers, United Way of King County helps low-to-moderate income families and individuals file their tax returns and secure all the credits for which they’re eligible. The service is easy to access and is available on a walk-in basis. Tax returns are prepared and e-filed for quick refunds. Along with tax preparation, United Way of King County also offers additional financial services such as savings bonds purchasing, assistance applying for healthcare, public benefits, and pulling credit reports.

In 2017, over 900 volunteers dedicated 45,000 hours to United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign. Last tax season alone, the campaign helped 22,700 community members file their taxes, bringing $30.5 million back to the community in tax refunds, including $9.7 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.

This year, United Way is operating 30 tax locations across King County through April 19, 2018. Clients should be prepared to bring documentation, including

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security card/ITIN letter
  • A copy of last year’s tax return
  • Health insurance tax forms from Medicare or the marketplace—forms 1095-A (if applicable)
  • All other tax statements, such as W2 forms, 1099-R forms, etc.

In addition, it is helpful to bring your bank account number and routing number for a fast and secure tax refund.

For locations, hours of operation, and all other information, visit us at www.freetaxexperts.org.

If you have further questions, e-mail freetax@uwkc.org or call King County 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 or 800-621-4636).


Contributor Jenn Hong coordinates the financial stability program at United Way of King County.

This article originally appeared on AgeWise King County (January 2018)