INDIANA – Let’s hear it for the amazing volunteers at Free Community Tax Service sites in Brown, Monroe, and Owen counties. During tax season, these Tax Heroes prepared 823 returns, bringing back over $1 million in refunds to local low- and moderate-income people.
The Free Community Tax Service helps residents file their federal and Indiana tax returns for free and claim the EITC if eligible. We brought together 14 community partners and 63 IRS-certified volunteers to help residents keep more of their earnings.
Each year, these volunteers begin training in December and must pass certification tests before they are qualified to complete income tax returns.
The Free Community Tax Service helps many seniors, who make up about 54% of the clientele.
Clients reported using their refunds and credits (including over $350,000 in EITC, child, and education tax credits) to pay for food, clothing, bills, medical expenses, transportation expenses, and savings.
During the 2024 tax season, clients saved nearly $200,000 in tax preparation fees. Their average AGI is $28,000. United Way managed seven full-service tax sites, and AARP managed two.
The Free Community Tax Service is a critical component of United Way of South Central Indiana’s financial stability initiatives, which include a monthly personal finance newsletter, free financial coaching, and the Bank on Bloomington program.
Your support of United Way brings financial empowerment to families in south-central Indiana. Thank you.
Click here if you are interested in becoming a Tax Hero.
Click here to learn more about the free tax program.
