Anyone who has a household income that is $66,000 or less – regardless of family size – is eligible for free income tax preparation or tax preparation with coaching at one of our sites.

Note: Not all sites have volunteers certified in all types of returns. Check the locations for specific services available. The Greeter will review your paperwork and let you know your filing options.

Your taxes will be prepared by IRS certified volunteer preparers. Each return is also screened by a quality reviewer on site to ensure that your return is accurate.

To locate RUW’s Free Tax Preparation services, visit the Locations tab on this website or call (540) 373-0041 x300. Tax Prep sites are located throughout the area and one or more sites are open each day of the week (except Sunday).

You must bring:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license or state ID card)
• Your Social Security card AND cards for anyone on your return. Click here to learn how to obtain a replacement card.
• If filing jointly, you must bring your spouse with you.
• All tax related documents (W2s, 1099s)
• Routing number and bank account number for direct deposit of your refund
• Household health insurance coverage information (1095s)

It is highly recommended that you bring a copy of 2015 Federal & State Tax returns.

During tax season, all services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive at a tax site you will sign in. Wait times will vary, and will depend on how complex the returns ahead of you are.

Wait times vary and we cannot predict how long your wait will be. We recommend bringing a book or newspaper to keep busy while you wait. We ask that you sign in and stay close by – leaving the site for a quick break is OK but if you leave for more than 15 minutes you may lose your place in line.

If you file and select direct deposit of your refund, the IRS generally predicts your refund will be deposited 14-21 days after you file.

RUW has no control over timeframe for refunds.

In 2017, if you receive the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) or ACTC (Additional Child Tax Credit) for 2016, the IRS will hold your refund until after February 15th to help protect you from fraud.

While visiting a Tax site, you can also get a free copy of your credit report and, at many sites, meet with a trained financial coach for free! We encourage you to take advantage of these services.

We are limited by IRS rules and cannot prepare returns outside of the scope of service. We are also limited by the certification levels of our volunteers. We may not have volunteers at all levels at every site. For returns that are within the income limit, but outside the Scope of Service or volunteer certification, you may be able to file your return using MyFreeTaxes or Intuit’s TurboTax Freedom Edition. Visit our “File Your Taxes FREE” page for all your filing options.

Yes! There is no fee for using our Tax Prep or Financial Coaching services. This program is completely funded by grants and by donations to Rappahannock United Way.