United Way Supports Free Tax Filing Services

United Way of Story County (UWSC) is a leader in promoting financial stability for everyone in our community. We believe it is one of the key elements in improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Story County.
 
In an effort to assist middle to low income families this tax season, UWSC is working to provide the tools necessary to empower residents to keep more of the money they have earned by filing their taxes for free. 
 
“We have resources available in Story County to help relieve the stress of filing taxes and aid residents in knowing what kind of refunds they qualify for,” said Jean Kresse, President and CEO of UWSC. “Many residents don’t know these resources are available or that they qualify to receive the services. We hope to change that so people who need the assistance can get it.”
 
Through support of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax Prep programs, quality services are available to simplify the filing process and maximize refunds. Households that earned $54,000 or less in 2017 are invited to contact participating agencies to schedule a free in-person appointment. Locations include:
 
AARP Tax Prep – 
Ames Public Library (515) 239-5646
Heartland Senior Services (515) 233-2906
Nevada Public Library (515) 382-2628
 
VITA – 
Iowa State University, visit www.isuvita.appointy.com
 
In addition, MyFreeTaxesTM, a free online filing platform, is available to help households that earned $66,000 or less in 2017 file both federal and state returns. The program is powered by H&R Block, in partnership with United Way Worldwide, to ensure the safety and accuracy of returns without any up sales or promotions of their services. It is designed to be easy, secure and guaranteed to be 100 percent accurate. MyFreeTaxesTM software guides filers through an easy to use program that will identify eligible tax credits and deductions. In addition, IRS-certified specialists are ready to solve any tax challenge in real time via online chat or over the phone. To file your taxes for free through his program, visit www.myfreetaxes.com.
 
Tax refunds and credits are essential to the financial stability and success for many in our community. That’s why United Way works to help people save more of their hard-earned money – and, to date, almost a million people have used MyFreeTaxes nationwide, bringing over $1.4 billion in refunds back to local communities. For more information, contact UWSC at (515) 268-5142 or by visiting www.uwstory.org. 
 
United Way of Story County is a strategic leader in building county-wide partnerships to identify needs and to develop, support, and evaluates effective human services, especially in the areas of education, income and health, for our diverse community.