NEWS RELEASE

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CINCINNATI (March 25, 2024) - The Free Tax Prep initiative of United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) is partnering with an AmeriCorps team to help prepare and file taxes for low-to-moderate-income people in the region.

All nine AmeriCorps members assigned to UWGC earned IRS certification as advanced tax preparers and are already assisting taxpayers at Free Tax Prep sites. So far, the team has saved local taxpayers more than $25,000 in filing fees and helped them claim almost $57,800 in refunds.

The AmeriCorps members serve in the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program and are from the North Central Region campus in Vinton, Iowa. Their eight-week partnership with United Way runs through April 24.

“We’re excited to have an AmeriCorps team working alongside us on one of United Way’s signature programs,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO of UWGC. “Having additional Free Tax Prep volunteers means we can complete more returns and help more of our neighbors achieve financial stability.”

Each year, United Way’s Free Tax Prep serves thousands of people in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. Committed volunteers prepare and file tax returns for free while making sure individuals and families claim all the refunds and credits they deserve so they can keep more of their hard-earned dollars. Last season, UWGC volunteers helped filers claim $8.7 million in refunds.

“Helping with the Free Tax Prep initiative is an amazing opportunity for us to help the community,” said AmeriCorps member Dejah Foster. “Not only does it allow us to help people save money on tax prep, but it also allows us to connect with the community. It gives us the chance to interact with people and hear their stories."

Organizations sponsor AmeriCorps NCCC teams to respond to community needs. Short-term NCCC service projects operate through partnerships with nonprofits, state and local agencies, and other community and faith-based groups. For information about sponsoring a team, email [email protected].

United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) fights for the economic well-being of all people in Greater Cincinnati so our entire community can thrive – now and in the future. Founded in 1915, UWGC is one of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations. It is committed to working alongside policymakers, community partners and donors to promote educational success, financial empowerment and housing security. Learn more about UWGC’s work across nine counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at UWGC.org. #UnitedWeThrive

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.