Free Tax Prep Overview
For over 20 years, United Way of the Mid-South has partnered with the IRS to offer Free Tax Prep to Mid-South families, helping them achieve financial stability through secure, confidential tax preparation and filing services. This initiative promotes awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and provides free tax prep for low- to moderate-income households. As part of United Way of the Mid-South’s Driving the Dream™ initiative, Free Tax Prep empowers individuals and families to improve their financial well-being. It helps people avoid costly tax refund loans while providing resources for better financial practices.
The Free Tax Prep program has three main goals:
- Offer a safe, no-cost alternative to expensive tax preparation services.
- Raise awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
- Promote financial literacy and savings.
In 2023, the program helped local households claim over $11 million in refunds, with more than $3.3 million in EITC claims. The average refund was over $1,100. Those earning $67,000 or less in 2024 may qualify for free tax prep by an IRS-certified volunteer at locations across the Mid-South. Interpreters are available at select sites.
Free Tax Prep saves individuals up to $2.1 million in filing fees and enables families to maximize their refunds, which can represent 20% or more of their income—directly impacting financial mobility.
Site & Filing Information
2025 Site Schedule available here.
Check back here for details or call 2-1-1 to find a location near you.
Clients will need to bring the following items to a Free Tax Prep site:
- Photo I.D., if filing jointly the spouse’s Photo I.D. is also required
- Social Security cards and birth dates, if filing jointly or claiming dependents, the spouse’s and dependents’ Social Security cards must be provided as well
- Account information for direct deposit
- Health Insurance 1095 form
- Total paid to daycare and provider’s tax I.D. number
- Information for all deductions/credits, including charitable contributions
- All W-2’s, 1099’s, and information on other income
- If married filing jointly, both spouses must be present
Primary Tax Sites
Filing Information
Free Tax Prep is available to low-to-moderate-income households. Eligibility for the 2024 – 2025 tax season is a total household income of $67,000 or less.
The threshold is based on tax year 2024 EITC AGI limits as shown below:
| Filing Status Single | AGI less than | Maximum EITC |
| 3+ Children | $59,899 | $7,830 |
| 2+ Children | $55,768 | $6,960 |
| 1+ Children | $49,084 | $4,213 |
| No Child | $18,591 | $632 |
| Filing Status Married Filing Jointly | AGI less than | Maximum EITC |
| 3+ Children | $66,819 | $7,830 |
| 2+ Children | $62,688 | $6,960 |
| 1+ Children | $56,004 | $4,213 |
| No Child | $25,511 | $632 |
Investment income limit: $11,000
Clients will need to bring the following items to a Free Tax Prep site:
- Photo I.D., if filing jointly the spouse’s Photo I.D. is also required
- Social Security cards and birth dates, if filing jointly or claiming dependents, the spouse’s and dependents’ Social Security cards must be provided as well
- All W-2’s, 1099’s, and information on other income
- Information for all deductions/credits, including charitable contributions
- Total paid to daycare and provider’s tax I.D. number
- Health Insurance 1095 form
- Account information for direct deposit
- If married filing jointly, both spouses must be present
OPTIONAL: You can download or print the intake packet forms HERE, fill out the forms at home, and bring them with you to the tax site to limit your wait time. Versión en español disponible aquî.
What our clients are saying about Free Tax Prep:
“I can always come here and know that I will be taken care of. I never have to worry about fraud or being taken advantage of. I love the great customer service and that it is free!” – Deidra P., Memphis, TN
“This is my first year filing as self-employed and I always file at this location. Free Tax Prep has helped me so much. The volunteers answer so many of my questions. They make me feel like all my documents are safe.” – Adrienne M., Collierville, TN
“I’m a widower and can’t afford to pay for tax prep. I have had a good experience with United Way Free Tax Prep. It has lessened my anxiety around tax time.” – Randy J., Millington, TN
United Way of the Mid-South’s Free Tax Prep delivers Financial Stability to Mid-South households. We are back to help individuals and families maximize their refunds. You can volunteer or set up a Free Tax Prep site at your organization.
Click on the image to view 2024 results.
Alternative filing methods that do NOT require going to a Free Tax Prep site.
My Free Taxes
FREE self-filing option.
Claim thousands of dollars through tax credits you’re owed! We work with you to maximize your refund! File your taxes yourself or, if you earned $67,000 or less, you can opt to have your return prepared for you online. MyFreeTaxes helps you file your Federal and State taxes online for FREE. Click the MyFreeTaxes icon for more information or to start your return.
IRS | DirectFile
File online with IRS-DIRECT FILE. No income limit but there are some restrictions on what forms you can file. Find out if Direct File is the right option for your taxes. Visit https://directfile.irs.gov/ or click the icon to take advantage of this free government secured service.
VOLUNTEER
Help thousands of individuals and families get the most from their tax returns! You can volunteer and make a dramatic difference for people in poverty. Help people in need to drive their dreams of financial freedom and peace of mind with United Way’s Free Tax Prep program. Imagine assisting a family with three children with nearly $6,660 in tax credits to help escape poverty and make their dreams come true. United Way Free Tax Prep is helping thousands of households across the Mid-South with less than $67,000 of income, and we need your help!
Volunteer Information
All Volunteers must meet the IRS certification requirements. Volunteers attend a 12 hour training class in Tax Law and Tax Slayer Software or self-study by using the IRS’ Link and Learn Taxes e-learning program.
- The free training and materials will be provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and United Way of the Mid-South.
- Volunteers are protected under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
- Volunteers must possess a friendly attitude and adhere to the privacy and confidentiality of taxpayers’ information.
- United Way ensures that volunteers receive the necessary training to feel confident in their roles.
- United Way staff provides feedback and support throughout tax season.
The Free Tax Prep program offers several volunteer roles. How would you like to help?
- Greeters welcome customers, assist with the sign-ins and surveys, and initiate clients through the tax process.
◊ 1 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct.
- Screeners help taxpayers complete our short intake/interview process and assist people with the paperwork they need to meet with a tax preparer.
◊ 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Basic Tax Law
- Tax Preparers connect people with tax credits and refunds by preparing federal and state tax returns.
◊ 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Law
◊ 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
- Quality Reviewers ensure that the taxpayer’s tax return is accurate based on the Intake/Interview Sheet, and the supporting documents provided by the taxpayer.
◊ 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Law
◊ 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
- Site Coordinator/Assistant Site Coordinator open and manage a Free Tax Prep site, oversee volunteer personnel, capture results, review returns for accuracy, and work alongside United Way team members and IRS staff.
◊ 4 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review , Advanced Tax Law, and Site Coordinator
◊ 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
JOIN US! Apply today and begin one of the most rewarding experiences of your life! Click the Volunteer Here button below to get started.
We look forward to working with you!
United Way of the Mid-South’s Driving The Dream™ is available to help connect you with other services that you may need.
