One of the many ways in which United Way prioritizes the Financial Stability of Knox County residents is by providing free tax preparation assistance. United Way has offered this assistance to local residents since 2007 through The Ohio Benefit Bank, a web-based program which can be accessed with the help of a trained tax volunteer or through a self-serve website. Trained United Way volunteers provide assistance with both Federal and State Income Taxes and can help clients prepare their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms as well.
The program’s goal is to increase the financial stability of Knox County residents. Millions of dollars in tax credits, such as the Earned Income Credit and Child Care Credit, go unclaimed by Knox County residents each year, resulting in a loss of free federal money for the local economy. This is money that can then be used to purchase necessities and boost savings for low and moderate-income families. The EITC helps individuals and families with low to moderate income keep more of what they earned. By offering free tax preparation assistance, United Way can also help clients save by avoiding paying costly tax preparation fees.
Tax assistance volunteers must be trained by Ohio Benefit Bank before joining the United Way Tax Preparation Team. Assistance is provided to clients who call and make an appointment to meet with one of the volunteers. The online portal is also available through the UWayKnox.org website for clients who prefer to navigate the system themselves. Our Tax Preparation Team, made up of local volunteers and United Way staff trained to use the web-based portal, was recognized by Ohio Benefit Bank as one of the top 16 Tax Sites in Ohio for the 2017 tax year!
This United Way program simplifies an often burdensome and difficult but necessary task. By donating to United Way of Knox County’s 2018 Campaign, you will be supporting the Tax Preparation Assistance Program and the other local programs that United Way implements or invests in. Give, Advocate, Volunteer. LIVE UNITED.