CINCINNATI (Sept. 25, 2024) — The taxpayer expected a $105 refund. Instead, a tax service charged him almost $280 to prepare his simple return.

"That is very frustrating," said Yvonne Smith, a volunteer for United Way's Free Tax Prep initiative, "not only for the taxpayer, but also for us volunteers, because we know somebody is charging that much money when the person is not getting much of a refund in the first place."

The good news for that taxpayer: This year, he discovered Free Tax Prep, where IRS-certified volunteers like Smith prepare and file returns for free while ensuring people get the refunds they've earned.

"It really makes a difference for them," Smith said. "It's very satisfying to know you've helped somebody."

Volunteers are essential if Free Tax Prep is to help more taxpayers at sites in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana. People of all skill levels are needed to prepare taxes and fill customer support roles.

"Each year, taxpayers book every available Free Tax Prep appointment. The more volunteers we have, the more appointments we can set and the more returns we can do," said Adrienne Brandicourt, United Way's Senior Associate for Free Tax Prep.

During the 2023 tax season, volunteers filed more than 8,000 returns, saved taxpayers more than $2 million in fees and helped them claim more than $9 million in federal refunds. Put another way: On average, each volunteer helped return $28,000 to the community.

"Our taxpayers understand how significant this (service) is," said volunteer Chris Prime. "They really appreciate what we do."

Count Rodney Jackson among them. After years of using a tax preparation service that "charged me way too much," the Cincinnatian made his first visit to a Free Tax Prep site in 2024. The volunteers "were great. They all work together, like a team. I wish I'd known about them a long time ago."

Volunteers like Smith and Prime make sure eligible taxpayers receive credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which play an important role in reducing poverty. "An awful lot of people walk away (feeling) really relieved," Prime said. "They can fix their car or pay their mortgage."

Prime volunteers at three Free Tax Prep sites, including the Hearing, Speech + Deaf Center, where he has formed relationships with the organization's clients and interpreters. "It is almost like a family atmosphere," he said.

Camaraderie also is strong among volunteers, said Smith, who devotes time to multiple sites. "We bounce questions off each other. We're there to support each other and try as best we can to file perfect returns for our clients."

Like United Way, they're making it possible for more people to thrive.

"I leave a site very satisfied knowing we've done well over 100 returns that weekend," Smith said, "and knowing that we've really made an impact in the community."

For information about becoming a Free Tax Prep volunteer, email [email protected] or visit www.uwgc.org/taxvolunteer.