Tax season is here, and if you find the process confusing and costly, you’re not alone. But United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) is here to help. Our Free Tax Prep program makes reliable tax assistance simple – and at no cost if your annual household income is $54,000 or less. There’s even a free online option if your income is higher.
At the core of UWCA’s tax services is Judy Allen, Director of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. A Birmingham native and graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, Judy has dedicated her career to helping families achieve financial stability. She recruits and trains the volunteers who make free tax preparation possible, ensuring every client receives accurate, professional service.
VITA is literally priceless for many families. In 2024, volunteers saved area residents more than $460,000 in tax preparation fees — money that stays in our community.
“We’re very lucky that the community support for United Way makes it possible for us to offer this program in a very robust and professional way,” said Judy.
File Your Taxes for Free from the Comfort of Your Home
For households with incomes of $84,000 or less, MyFreeTaxes.com offers an easy, accurate way to file both federal and state taxes online. This free service, provided through a partnership between United Way Worldwide and TaxSlayer, walks users through their returns with straightforward questions about income and deductions.
Whether you’re filing a basic W-2, managing multiple state returns or reporting freelance income, MyFreeTaxes can handle it all from your computer or mobile device. For additional support, chat assistance and live help from IRS-certified tax specialists are available. Best of all, this service is entirely free for both federal and state filings.
In-Person Support by Appointment
For qualifying tax filers who prefer in-person assistance, UWCA’s VITA program offers free, face-to-face tax preparation for households with annual earnings of $54,000 or less. VITA volunteers — trained and IRS-certified — help individuals and families navigate their returns and maximize their refunds.
Whether you’re comfortable filing online or prefer personalized help from a trained volunteer, UWCA offers a stress-free solution tailored to your needs.
Learn more and schedule an appointment here.