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CINCINNATI (May 1, 2024) – Darchelle Derthick gives high marks to United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Free Tax Prep, which has prepared her tax returns for several years.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a 10,” she said. “Very helpful, and I get my refund,” which she uses to pay bills.

The bartender from Hartwell was among thousands of people who relied on Free Tax Prep during the recently completed tax season. IRS-certified volunteers prepared more than 8,000 returns, saving taxpayers about $2.2 million in preparation fees and helping them claim $9.3 million in federal refunds.

This year’s Free Tax Prep volunteers included a nine-member team from AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. After being certified as advanced tax preparers, they filed 509 returns, which saved taxpayers $140,000 in fees and resulted in $357,000 in refunds.

“Free Tax Prep helps individuals and families claim all the refunds and credits they deserve so they can keep more of their hard-earned dollars,” said Moira Weir, President and CEO of United Way. “Some people save their refund for emergencies, while others may use it to buy necessities, make rent or mortgage payments, or further their education.”

Kevin Moran and his wife, Amy Pritts, had their taxes prepared at the Free Tax Prep site at the Center for Employment Training at Brighton Center in Newport, where Moran is a career coach. It’s one of 30 Free Tax Prep locations in the region.

“It’s a great free service,” Moran said. “I feel that the preparers are highly trained, and they know just as much – probably more – than if you would take your taxes to a place where you have to pay.”

Diamond Williams, a day care teacher and mother of an infant girl, said the Free Tax Prep volunteers at Northminster Church in Finneytown “were very nice and they paid a lot of attention to details. I don’t know much about the (tax) forms. It’s hard when you’re doing it online. I’m glad to have somebody who understands, and you can ask them questions.”

United Way thanks the 420+ volunteers who were instrumental in making this year’s Free Tax Prep initiative even more successful than the last.

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