United Way Is Here to Help During Tax Season
We're not the tax experts, but we sure know them!
United Way of Kaw Valley has two great connections for lower-income tax filers that can save you money on tax preparation fees and make sure that you maximize your refund!
No one loves doing their taxes. But this year, it’s easier than ever if you use My Free Taxes.
That’s United Way’s free, online tax filing program. It lets U.S. tax filers who earned less than $89K last year file their federal and state taxes online -- for free. Since 2009, My Free Taxes has helped people across America file more than 1.5M returns, save $318M in tax prep fees, and receive over $2.1B in refunds.
The secure software walks you through the filing process and screens for common tax deductions and credits you may be eligible for. In 2025, My Free Taxes helped people get $14.8M back in Earned Income Tax Credits.
Other tax situations covered in My Free Taxes include:
• W-2 income
• Schedule C Self Employment
• Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV
• Student education expenses, credits, or student loan interest
• Unemployment income
• Claiming the standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child tax credits
• Child and dependent care expenses
If you need help, use the Help Line to talk to a real person trained by the IRS. Best of all, it only takes about an hour, and you can file on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
People always say doing your taxes is a chore. Prove them wrong this year! Go to MyFreeTaxes.com to get started today.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $69,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
VITA sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
VITA services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.
United Way of Kaw Valley provides financial support for the Shawnee County VITA program, which is operated by K-State Research and Extension.
If you qualify for VITA but are not able to find a local preparation site (or all appointments are full), you can access VITA preparation through MyFreeTaxes.com by choosing "Have My Taxes Prepared for Me."
For additional up-to-date tax information including where to find VITA and other tax preparation help, local libraries are a fantastic resource:
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library: https://tscpl.org/local-interest/tax-forms-and-assistance
Lawrence Public Library: https://lplks.org/tax-information/
