Tax season runs from January to mid-April 2020.

By Haley McMonagle 

Photo by Skitterphoto courtesy of Pexels

United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is seeking 500 volunteer tax preparers for their upcoming 2020 Free Tax Preparation Campaign. Tax season runs from January to mid-April 2020. Volunteers will complete tax returns for families and individuals who earn low wages and will assist them in receiving the refunds that they are entitled to. 

United Way is looking forward to another successful year: Last year alone, 494 volunteers prepared 10,645 tax returns, and $15,409,452 in refunds throughout the region. 

“A tax refund can have a significant impact on a low-income family, which can mean the difference between putting food on the table, keeping the heat on, and having transportation to get to work–or not,” said Alena Anderson, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s United for Families Program Manager in a press release. “Many people come to us unaware of the tax credits or refunds available to them. Our volunteers play an important role in identifying tax benefits and helping secure these critical refunds.”

By partnering with the IRS, United Way can provide training and educational resources about tax preparation both in-person and online. Volunteers do not need to have prior tax preparation experience. Professionals can receive continuing education credits and there are internship opportunities for students. 

Volunteers are needed for Allegheny, Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties. Sign up before Jan. 1, 2020 at www.swpafreetaxes.org.
Individuals can sign up for a free tax preparation appointment starting on Jan. 9, 2020. Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.pa211sw.org to set yours up. If your household has an annual income of up to $55,000, you may qualify for free in-person tax preparation. If your household earns up to $60,000 annually, free tax assistance is available for you online.