FREE Tax Assistance
It's FREE, fast and convenient tax preparation services for families earning up to $49,000 annually. All taxes are prepared and submitted to the IRS electronically by VITA and AARP volunteers. Refunds, if applicable, will usually be received in less than 10 days. With 17 sites to choose from, we've made it easy for you to get your taxes done.

The tax code is increasingly used as a tool to alleviate poverty; reward work and help individuals and working families supplement their wages and to build economic stability. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit for eligible working filers, can make a substantial difference in a working family's annual earnings. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide sites assist communities across the nation, including the Quad Cities, help reach families and individuals who need FREE tax preparation during the tax season.

Lend a Helping Hand

The goal of United Way of the Quad Cities Area and community partners is to help working individuals and families' achieve financial independence by providing opportunities and education to build, save and protect their financial assets. The VITA and AARP Tax-Aide programs serve as the focal point for this effort. Through these programs, volunteers provide free income tax assistance and tax information to taxpayers.

During the 2008 tax-filing season, volunteers operated 16 free tax preparation sites located throughout the Quad Cities and completed nearly 4,500 returns, a 30 percent increase from 2007. Volunteers brought back to families nearly $1.5 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) funds; more than $4.1 million in overall federal refunds and saved families $670,000 in tax preparation fees.

Without the help of the volunteers who participate in these programs, many whom return each tax-filing season, we could not continue to expand, reaching an increasing number of the Quad Cities' working families and individuals.

The VITA and AARP Tax-Aide programs would not be possible without great volunteers. Every year, hundreds of people just like YOU contribute their time and expertise. We are currently seeking volunteers to assist in this year's tax season.

> Tax Preparers (free training available)

TAX LAW TRAINING FOR VITA ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- Nov. 7 and 14, 9am-Noon.
- Location: United Way of the Quad Cities Area
- Online training is also available

Volunteers are needed to assist with the 2009 Tax Season (Jan. 21-April 15, 2010)
Total number of volunteers needed: 80