United Way kicks off free tax prep service 

With the April 15 tax-filing deadline 10 weeks away, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program officially begins this week. The free tax preparation service is offered to area families with household incomes of less than $56,000.

In its 18th year of operation, United Way’s VITA program will utilize a combination of tax sites across the region, as well as online tax preparation services. Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person tax sites will operate by appointment only, and spaces may be limited. Sites will follow social distancing guidelines and require masks, and hours of operation are subject to change. An up-to-date list of locations and hours is available at http://yourunitedway.org/tax/sites/w.

For online preparation services, United Way will utilize a new secure web portal that allows participants to upload tax information, speak to IRS certified tax preparers and receive help filing taxes online – all for free. Those using the service will need to upload photos of ID cards and tax documents and answer questions about their tax situation. The service requires filers to have access to the internet and a camera through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

In 2020, local United Way volunteers helped secure $2.8 million in tax refunds for 2,790 households in the area. The average household income for customers was $23,652.

For details, visit yourunitedway.org/tax/.