File your taxes for free! Meet a local business owner + tax-prep success story

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Last spring, I filed my own taxes for the first time, and it turned out to be less stressful than I feared. I give all the credit to one secret I learned from working here at Bham Now: A team in Birmingham that helps you with your taxes, depending on your income.

This “easy” button for adulting (at least when it comes to tax prep help!) is the Free Tax Preparation program at United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA).

Turns out I’m not the only one who knew little to nothing about the tax filing process and didn’t want to pay a fortune. Keep reading for a local small business owner’s success story and how this local program can help you, too.

Meet Melissa: A Birmingham entrepreneur who got free help on her taxes

When she first started working for herself, Melissa Gough paid a lot to have her taxes done, but she wasn’t happy with the experience (or the expense!) and knew she needed to find an easier, more affordable solution.

Last February, she found Free Tax Prep, and it all fell into place.

She talked to Bobbie in the 2-1-1 Call Center and explained her situation, and Bobbie was calm, encouraging and directed Melissa to Free Tax Prep.

“They’re a wonderful group of people who want to help and give you better service [for free]. It’s a no-brainer, it really is.

If people just knew about it, their decision would be made.”

Melissa Gough, UWCA tax prep client

How it works

Thanks to UWCA, it’s easy to get expert help when it comes time to submit your taxes.

The route you take depends on your household income level.

• $54,000 or less: Free Tax Prep helps prepare your taxes for free! Call 2-1-1 to make an appointment.
• $89,000 or less: MyFreeTaxes helps you easily + accurately file both federal and state taxes on your own. Visit MyFreeTaxes to get started.

If you go in person, you can rest assured knowing that you’re in good hands. The tax prep team is made up of dedicated staff members and volunteers who really do just want to help.

“Richy is exactly who I would have wanted to help me. He took care of everything and would explain stuff to me, which helped, because I had a lot of questions.”

Melissa Gough, UWCA tax prep client

You can volunteer to help others!

If you want to provide valuable assistance to your community, this is a great opportunity. All tax prep volunteers complete annual training and certification, and a background in accounting is not required.

Volunteers can help through a variety of roles, including:

• Tax preparers: Prepare tax returns for clients across Central Alabama after completing IRS-approved training + certification
• Student interns: Gain hands-on experience preparing tax returns while learning from trained volunteers 
• Greeters: Welcome clients, explain how the program works + confirm clients have all the necessary documents

Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and receive the training and support they need to be successful. Learn more and sign up to volunteer.

Get free tax prep at United Way of Central Alabama

Thousands of individuals and families turn to UWCA each year seeking help filing their taxes, often saving hundreds of dollars in the process.

“I’ll never go back to doing what I did before. I can’t see why you wouldn’t do it, unless you didn’t know about it or you thought it wasn’t for you.

So at the very least, you should check to see if this is for you.”

Melissa Gough, UWCA tax prep client

Get started with United Way of Central Alabama. Learn more about Free Tax Prep or sign up to volunteer.

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