Free Tax Preparation

Mount Vernon, Ohio— Free tax preparation assistance is available at United Way of Knox County through the financial stability initiative and continued partnership with the IRS. In tax year 2022, United Way tax volunteers assisted 454 clients in filing federal income tax returns using the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, saving taxpayers $93,000.00 in filing fees.
United Way’s certified volunteers will prepare and file basic tax returns at no cost to qualifying individuals. VITA services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.
To set up an appointment, phone 740.397.5721, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. United Way offers limited evening and Saturday appointments on a first call, first serve basis. All appointments are curbside—clients will park in the dedicated “tax client parking spots,” and stay in their vehicles while the taxes are being prepared.
Tax clients are required to bring the following at the time of the appointment:
• A valid driver’s license or other photo id card
• Social security cards, a social security number verification letter for all persons listed on the return
• Birth dates for all persons listed on return
• All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld.
• All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest or real estate taxes.
• Copies of last year’s state and federal tax returns
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund
• Dependent childcare information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker’s SSN or other tax identification number
• Both spouses to sign forms to e-file a joint tax return
United Way of Knox County is a cornerstone of community wellness and success. We strategically connect partners and resources to community needs in order to measurably impact the quality of the lives of Knox County residents. To learn more, visit uwayknox.org.
Information courtesy of United Way of Knox County