Tax Time is a network of nonprofit, business, and government organizations that works to provide free tax assistance services and connect low- and moderate-income households to financial resources. In the nine years since its inception, Tax Time volunteers have prepared and processed nearly 140,000 returns.
Tax Time combines three free tax preparation programs under a single umbrella:
1) United Way of Central Ohio’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program,
2) AARP’s Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, and
3) the Ohio Association of Foodbanks’ Ohio Benefit Bank.*
These three partners operate more than 40 sites throughout Franklin County, where trained and certified volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns from January through April. Other lead partners include the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, and HandsOn Central Ohio.
*As of July 31, 2019, the Ohio Benefit Bank has ceased operations. They have played an instrumental role in providing free tax preparation and other human services in our community over the last decade.
If individuals and families are to obtain long-term financial independence, they need tools and resources to help them maximize their income and build assets.
Recognizing the EITC’s potential benefit to individuals, families and communities, United Way of Central Ohio partnered with Columbus City Council and the Franklin County commissioners to launch the Franklin County EITC Coalition—now Tax Time—in October 2006.
Each year, Tax Time supports free tax assistance sites throughout Columbus between January and April. In 2019, over 40 sites prepared 15,101 tax returns, resulting in over $17 million dollars in refunds and savings of more than $3 million to taxpayers who may have otherwise used a paid tax preparer.
Tax Time works collaboratively to maximize community resources that promote economic self-sufficiency. The program raises awareness of the EITC, provides access to free, high-quality tax assistance and connects people to a network of services, including financial education opportunities that help them plan for their future.
Tax Time is a volunteer-run program. With over 400 volunteers in 2019, Tax Time still in need of more community members to help provide this crucial resource!
To find out how to get certified to volunteer as a tax preparer or greeter, please visit our website at https://taxtimecentralohio.org/ and direct inquiries to rachel.skwerer@uwcentralohio.org.
| taxtime@uwcentralohio.org | |
| Tax Time Program Manager | |
| https://taxtimecentralohio.org/ |
