United Way bringing back free tax service

FINDLAY — United Way of Hancock County will soon begin scheduling appointments for its free tax preparation service that the agency expects to return over $1 million to the community. Beginning Jan. 20, qualifying individuals can call 567-245-5599 to schedule their VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) appointment. No walk-in appointments will be accepted. To qualify, an individual's combined household income must be $69,000 or less. All clients must live, work or attend college in Hancock County. At the time of scheduling, clients will be provided with a list of documents they must bring along to their appointment. VITA appointments will be held at the Findlay-Hancock County Public Library and at 50 North beginning the week of Feb. 3. Appointments will continue through Tax Day, based on demand. VITA is an IRS program run by trained volunteers offering free tax preparation and electronic filing for state and federal returns. VITA volunteers will also provide guidance to senior citizens who no longer need to file taxes. No city taxes will be prepared. Those who do not meet these federal requirements are encouraged to utilize the free, self-filing option at www.myfreetaxes.com. This United Way-sponsored program is offered in partnership with the IRS for households that earn under $89,000 annually. The website is self-guided, with prompts to help taxpayers complete their state and federal filings. Volunteers needed Volunteers are still being recruited to assist with the VITA program, either as tax preparers or greeters. Tax preparers will prepare and electronically file taxes for clients. No tax experience is necessary, and volunteers can work through certification online or may attend a training session with the VITA site coordinator on Jan. 17 to become certified. All new volunteers will work with an experienced tax preparer until they are comfortable with the program, a release from United Way of Hancock County states. Greeters are needed to welcome clients as they arrive for their appointments. Responsibilities include checking taxpayers in and ensuring that they have the necessary paperwork for their appointment. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts are available Mondays through Fridays, and Saturday mornings. Volunteers schedule their own hours during whatever days or months they are available. Contact Bridgit at accounting@uwhancock.org or call 419-423-1432 to sign up as a volunteer. The 2025 VITA season made over $1 million in impact to community members. Nearly 1,100 state and federal returns were filed by a group of 23 volunteers, the release states.