Helping Our Hardworking Neighbors
Keep More of What They Make.
To provide stability for people in King County to thrive and grow, we need to maximize their income. Tax credits and refunds can go a long way in building their financial stability, but the cost of professional tax services can be a huge barrier. At United Way, we help thousands of low-income families keep more of what they’ve earned through our Free Tax Preparation Campaign, one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty programs.
Credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Working Families Tax Credit are some of the most vital anti-poverty tools in the country. But tax credits only work when people claim them. In fact, one in five eligible workers don’t even claim EITC. When tax time comes around, thousands of hard‐working people in King County face race, age, income, language, or disability barriers when trying to access tax support.
With our partners at the IRS, the City of Seattle, and hundreds of community volunteers, our Free Tax Prep services help people avoid fees from paid preparers and take advantage of tax credits they’re entitled to.
At a Glance
18,200 neighbors served
$17M+ in tax refunds and credits for clients
20 tax campaign sites across King County
600+ volunteers at sites from malls to libraries!
Advocacy in Action
United Way has been advocating for the passage of the Working Families Tax Credit for more than a decade now. As of February 2023, it’s a reality.
400,000 low-to-moderate income households in Washington state will receive up to $1,200 yearly cash payments
In 2023, 180,000 families in Washington state have received more than 90 million dollars to help people pay for emergencies, get caught up on rent or buy needed groceries or school supplies.
Did you know the average cost of
basic tax prep services is $244?
Our Free Tax Prep relies on friendly volunteers to help low-income households get their taxes done for FREE—with a smile, instead of a paywall. Want to help people access all the tax credits they deserve, connect to additional resources, and become financially stable? Volunteer positions are currently open for sign ups!
Need Help?
If you make less than $80,000 a year, we’ll do the work of preparing your taxes for free so you can get back more of your hard-earned money. Find all the details below.
Real People. Real Stories.
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United Way’s Free Tax Prep: Still in Business
On Sunday, United Way of King County gathered its 652 Free Tax Preparation Campaign volunteers for a celebration of service. During this year’s tax season, the group helped secure $18 million in tax credits and refunds for Free Tax Prep clients. Each year, United Way’s Free Tax Prep Campaign helps filers get back some of…
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Free Tax Help is Here!
This is a story about United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign that recently appeared in the Seattle Times. Tax season is full of stressors: tracking down paperwork, parsing credits and deductions, and filing on time, to name just a few. Taxpayers often add another pain point to the list: shopping around to…
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How to Use United Way’s Free Tax Campaign: A Guide
This morning, I woke up to an extra $438 in my bank account. And despite it being April Fools Day, the extra cash was no joke. The money, deposited directly by the IRS, signified that I had filed my annual income tax returns and received a refund. But unlike previous years, I did not attempt…
Support Our Work
At United Way, we’re working side by side with communities to build an equitable future for everyone. Our partnerships, investments, and advocacy are guided by our commitment to racial justice.
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