United Way to offer free tax-preparation service for eligible families

Eligible Henrico taxpayers will be able to receive free tax-preparation assistance at two county libraries, through the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

The deadline to file federal tax returns is April 18.

In its 19th year of operation, United Way’s free tax preparation service is offered to area families with household incomes of less than $58,000. Because of the expanded child care tax credit and changes to the earned income tax credit, many households will be eligible for increased returns. The program is designed to help low- and moderate-income families navigate the changes and maximize their tax refund.

“Tax season can be a make-or-break time of the year for families and individuals making less than $58,000,” said James Taylor, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg. “For nearly two decades, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has been one of our organization’s most impactful programs. We are ready for another busy tax season helping those in our community.”

The program will use a combination of 13 tax sites in Henrico, Chesterfield, Charles City, Goochland, Petersburg and Richmond, as well as online tax preparation services. Sites will follow social distancing guidelines and require masks. The in-person tax sites will operate by appointment only, and spaces may be limited.

The two Henrico locations are:

• Fairfield Library, 1401 North Laburnum Avenue, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from Feb. 19 to Mar. 19;

• North Park Library, 8508 Franconia Road, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., from Feb. 2 to Apr. 14.

To make an appointment at either location, call (804) 225-7917 and leave a message with your name and contact number. Calls will be returned within 24 hours.

Other locations are listed at http://YourUnitedWay.org/tax/sites.

For online preparation services, United Way will use a new secure web portal that allows participants to upload tax information, speak to IRS-certified tax preparers and receive help filing taxes online for free. Those using the service will need to upload photos of their 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 smart phone, tablet or computer.