United Way’s free tax assistance locations open Feb. 1

United Way Quad Cities (UWQC) now is accepting appointments for its annual free tax assistance program. Appointments are available from Saturday,  Feb. 1, to Wednesday, April 9.

Last year, more than 100 IRS trained and certified volunteers helped 3,347 Quad Citizens prepare their income taxes free of charge – bringing back $3.86 million in refunds and saving $836,750 in filing fees through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax Aide programs.

Since 2020, VITA and AARP Tax Aide have returned $17.9 million in refunds to local families.

“We understand many Quad Citizens rely on the money they receive from their tax refunds and tax credits every year,” Max Bigalk, United Way Quad Cities VITA coordinator, said in a news release. “This free service is just one way we can help our neighbors build a sense of financial security, and help pay for necessities, like food and rent, or provide a much-needed cushion in the event of an emergency.”

To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit UnitedWayQC.org/VITA. Appointments are limited and are expected to fill quickly. Walk-in services are available at the MLK Center, 630 9th St. Rock Island. People may also call (563) 355-4310 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Free tax assistance is available to residents of Scott and Rock Island counties who:

  • Have a low-to-moderate income (generally $67,000 and below).
  • Have no rental property or farm income.
  • Have a picture ID (including spouse, if married).
  • Have Social Security card(s) or statement from Social Security Office for all listed on the return.
  • Have a Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Statement, if applicable).
  • Have an Identity Protection IP PIN (if applicable).
  • Have a copy of previous year’s tax return (if applicable).
  • Have a Schedule C (for self-employment, expenses $35,000 or less, and no net loss).
  • Are not military personnel.

In addition, residents wanting to file out-of-state returns (other than Iowa or Illinois) are not eligible.

What to know before you go

United Way, in partnership with AARP, offers free tax help to people who make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. The program helps working families take advantage of all eligible tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).

Those receiving tax filing help must remain in-person at the VITA site while your taxes are prepared. If filing a joint return, your spouse needs to be present. This process can range from 45 minutes to a few hours depending on the complexity of the tax return and how busy the site is.

In-person tax filing locations, appointments required:

  • Ascentra Credit Union, 2019 Grant St., Bettendorf.
  • Davenport Public Library – Eastern Branch, 6000 Eastern Ave.
  • Friendly House, 1221 N. Myrtle St., Davenport.
  • LeClaire Community Library, 323 Wisconsin St., LeClaire.
  • Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St.
  • Western Illinois University – Quad Cities Campus, 3300 River Drive, Moline.
  • Rock Island Senior Center, 2221 11th St., Rock Island.
  • Rock Island Township, 2827 7th Ave., Rock Island.

The Quad Cities VITA Coalition is led by United Way Quad Cities in collaboration with AARP of Western Illinois and AARP of Eastern Iowa. It is funded, in part, by the Iowa Center for Economic Success, IHMVCU and GreenState Credit Union.

UWQC is a social change organization that mobilizes the Quad Cities to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing youth opportunities, financial security and healthy communities, UWQC is working toward a future where every Quad Citizen in every neighborhood can reach their full potential. Learn more at UnitedWayQC.org.

Get the free QCBJ email newsletter

Stay up-to-date with the people, companies and issues that impact business in the  Quad Cities area.