Tax season can be stressful for any household, but for those earning low to moderate incomes, figuring out how to file taxes can feel especially overwhelming. Between confusing forms, filing fees, and the fear of making mistakes, many households delay or avoid filing altogether. Yet ensuring you receive the tax refunds and credits you're eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, can be a vital tool for building financial stability.
Fortunately, there are many trusted and low-cost resources that can help with taxes, turning the stress of tax season into the relief of tax return season.
What's the Best Way to File Your Taxes?
Below is a guide to reliable tax-filing support programs, designed to support households that need them most. These options make it simpler, safer, and more affordable for you to file your taxes.
IRS Free File Program
The IRS Free File program offers a straightforward, online option for individuals and households who earned less than $70,000 during 2024 to do free federal tax filing. Through this partnership between the IRS and private tax software providers, eligible filers can access secure, guided preparation tools that walk them step-by-step through the filing process.
For those comfortable filing on their own, the program also offers free fillable forms that allow taxpayers to enter their information manually. To learn more about how you can file your taxes for free or begin filing, visit IRS Free File.
The IRS VITA Program
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is one of the most valuable free tax-filing resources available to qualifying taxpayers. Supported by the IRS VITA grant program, it offers free, in-person help to lower-income individuals and households, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency.
The Benefits of Using the VITA program
VITA sites offer free tax return preparation for you by volunteers certified by the IRS. These volunteers provide high-quality preparation and ensure that filers receive all eligible credits and deductions. The volunteers are trained to handle common issues that impact low-to-moderate-income households, such as claiming dependents, education credits, and health coverage reconciliation.
VITA not only helps people file accurate returns but also helps them avoid costly mistakes that could delay refunds or trigger audits. Each year, VITA programs help millions of taxpayers file safely and confidently, often resulting in significant financial relief.
United Way's Free Tax Resources for ALICE Households
Many United Way chapters across the country - including United Way of York County in Pennsylvania - offer specialized tax-filing resources for asset, limited, income, constrained, employed (ALICE) households. These households earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford essentials such as housing, food, and healthcare.
United Way of York County provides tools and education to help ALICE households access tax credits, avoid unnecessary fees, and claim refunds they may have missed in previous years. Its free tax resources include links to IRS-approved filing services, local tax clinics, and information about eligibility for credits such as the EITC or the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
These programs don't just help you file; they help you keep more of what you earn. VITA is ultimately about empowerment, helping families move from financial crisis to financial stability.
More Than a Tax Return: Financial Empowerment Through United Way
Many United Way offices nationwide serve as VITA program hosts, connecting households not only to free tax preparation but also to a wide range of long-term financial stability programs. When you visit a United Way VITA site, you can also gain access to these services:
- Financial coaching and budgeting assistance
- Job training and employment services
- Credit-building and debt management resources
- Utility and rent assistance programs
- Free or low-cost banking options
By seeking free tax assistance through your local United Way, you're opening the door not just to free tax filing but also to an entire network of services that can strengthen your financial future.
Filing taxes can feel intimidating - but it doesn't have to be. If you qualify for VITA assistance, consider visiting your local United Way office to help your family build lasting financial security.
Get Free Tax Assistance With United Way of York County
United Way of York County in Pennsylvania assists hardworking households on their journey toward financial stability. To meet the needs of the ALICE population, we are embarking on an issue-focused strategy to create a transformational impact for workers. This will focus on two barriers: childcare and transportation.
Need help with your taxes? We offer essential tax resources, such as MyFreeTaxes and our VITA program. Contact us to get the services you need for a financially successful future. Alternatively, consider supporting us by making a donation today!