Every year, volunteers with United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Free Tax Prep service prepare and file income tax returns for thousands of low- to moderate-income taxpayers in our region.
And each year, taxpayers book every available appointment.
“The more volunteers we have, the more appointments we can set and the more returns we can do,” says Adrienne Brandicourt, United Way’s Senior Associate for Free Tax Prep. She calls Free Tax Prep “an incredibly important contribution to our community.”
The numbers bear that out. During the 2023 tax season, volunteers filed more than 8,000 returns, saved taxpayers more than $2 million in fees, and helped them claim more than $9 million in federal refunds. Put another way: On average, each volunteer helped return $28,000 to the community.
“That’s a really big deal to people who really need the money,” Brandicourt says.
United Way partners with the IRS on Free Tax Prep. But since the IRS does not allow United Way to pay tax preparers, the program’s success hinges on volunteers like Yvonne Smith.
“It’s very satisfying to know you’ve helped somebody,” she says.
The longtime volunteer recalls feeling frustrated recently when a taxpayer told her of his prior experience with a commercial tax service. He was due a $105 refund, but he paid a fee of almost $280.
Just as the name says, Free Tax Prep is free. And IRS-certified volunteers like Smith and Chris Prime ensure people get the refunds they have earned.
“Our taxpayers understand how significant this [service] is,” Prime says. “They really appreciate what we do.”
Volunteers are essential if Free Tax Prep is to help more people at sites in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana. People of all skill levels are needed to prepare taxes and fill customer support roles such as greeter and intake specialist. Training is provided.
Prime volunteers at three Free Tax Prep sites, including the Hearing, Speech + Deaf Center, where he has formed relationships with the organization’s clients and interpreters. “It is almost like a family atmosphere,” he says.
Camaraderie also is strong among volunteers, says Smith, who volunteers at multiple sites. “We bounce questions off each other. We’re there to support each other and to make sure we try as best we can to file perfect returns for our clients.
“I leave a site very satisfied knowing we’ve done well over 100 returns that weekend and knowing that we’ve really made an impact in the community.”
For more information about volunteering for Free Tax Prep, visit www.uwgc.org/taxvolunteer.
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