Tax Assistance

Get free tax filing with VITA or MyFreeTaxes.

Free Tax Support from United Way of Central Iowa

Check the links provided regularly, especially during tax season (February through April) for more information on where to find assistance in central Iowa. 2-1-1 will have updated locations and hours of free tax preparation during tax season.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

Let VITA Help You Keep More of Your Money

United Way of Central Iowa works with The Iowa Center to offer the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA provides FREE tax preparation services for individuals and families earning approximately $67,000 or less annually. VITA connects you with IRS-certified volunteers who ensure your taxes are prepared accurately and maximize your refund (a refund is not guaranteed).

You may also qualify for credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, and/or the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, helping you keep even more of what you’ve earned.

Why Choose VITA?

  •  Certified Accuracy: IRS-certified volunteers review and double-check every return.

  • Personalized Help: Ideal for individuals new to the U.S. tax system or needing extra support.

  • Convenience: Flexible locations and hours across central Iowa, including evenings and weekends.

 

Schedule an Appointment

 

For inquiries or to schedule your appointment, contact The Iowa Center at 515-283-0940 or visit theiowacenter.org/taxservices. You can also dial 211 for more details—this free service is available 24/7.

Learn More on the Iowa Center Website

Important: Documents You MUST Bring to VITA

 

To ensure smooth and timely tax preparation, please bring the following items to your appointment:

  • Proof of identification (Driver’s License or passport)

  • Social Security cards or verification letters for yourself, your spouse, and all dependents

  • Birth dates for all individuals listed on your return

  • Last year’s tax returns or a transcript from IRS.gov

  • Wage and earnings statements (Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-R)

  • Bank account details for direct deposit (routing and account numbers or a blank check)

  • Records of childcare expenses and provider tax IDs (if applicable)

Note: For married couples filing jointly, both spouses must be present to sign the necessary forms.

MyFreeTaxes

Filing your taxes can be free... and easy!  My Free Taxes is an easy and accurate online site to help you get the tax refund you deserve.

Your household qualifies if you earned $66,000 or less last year. 

United Way Worldwide and Cricket Wireless are partnering to offer FREE tax filing assistance via MyFreeTaxes.com at select Cricket authorized retail stores across the country throughout February and March. MyFreeTaxes is a free, safe and easy way for households earning less than $66,000 to file federal and state taxes. 

Since 2009, MyFreeTaxes has helped almost one million taxpayers claim every tax deduction and credit for which they are eligible. The website is mobile-optimized, enabling filers to do their taxes from their phone or tablet. Most filers complete their taxes in under an hour, and specialized forms are available for self-employed filers.

United Way’s free tax preparation service, MyFreeTaxes, is the only free, online, national tax filing product offered by a nonprofit. We are thankful to Cricket Wireless for their partnership and generous donation that will help individuals maximize their refunds and save on tax filing fees in order pay down debt, increase savings and reduce the stress they feel around tax season.

Visit myfreetaxes.com