United Way NSV Launches Program to Help People File Taxes
(March 11, 2021) – Valley Assistance Network, a program of United Way of Northern Shenandoah Valley, is now accepting appointments to help people file their tax returns for free. Using a virtual platform called MyFreeTaxes and the computer resources on the Our Health campus, United Way NSV hopes to help more local people get their maximum return.
Greater access to free tax preparation and increased awareness of tax credits are part of United Way’s mission to help more people achieve financially stability.
“As so many in our community struggle to recover from the economic fallout of COVID-19, saving money is more critical than ever. This is one of the many ways United Way is finding creative ways to help families,” said Jennifer Hall, Director of Community Engagement at United Way NSV.
MyFreeTaxes is a free, safe, and easy way to file federal and state returns, keep more money in taxpayers’ pockets and avoid paying unnecessary filing fees. The MyFreeTaxes program is provided by United Way Worldwide in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and TaxSlayer.
The software screens for credit and deduction eligibility such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit to ensure filers receive their maximum tax refund. It also lets filers check for any missed stimulus payments.
Anyone can use their mobile phone, tablet or computer to securely file taxes from their home by creating an account at www.MyFreeTaxes.com.
“We know that access to technology is often a barrier for families,” said Hall. “This program allows access to a private computer lab and volunteers to assistance with technical issues and basic questions.”
United Way is utilizing a team of volunteers to assist with the project. Volunteers include several retirees, bank employees, and students and staff of the Shenandoah University’s School of Business. Appointment are available Monday through Saturday and will be held at the Our Health Campus, located at 301 N. Cameron Streets.
Valley Assistance Network is accepting appointments now through May 1, 2021. Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment should reach out to Emily Fultz by calling 540-773-3178 or emailing van@unitedwaynsv.org.
More about My Free Taxes:
The software is available in English and Spanish.
Free filing is available to individuals who make less than $57,000 a year.
The goal of MyFreeTaxes is to save families money with filing fees, as well as empowering families to gain confidence in their own ability to manage their finances.
For millions of Americans, tax refunds and credits are essential to their financial stability and success.