Skip to content
get help with your taxes with MyFreeTaxes

Get Free Tax Help With MyFreeTaxes

Published by Monica on January 8, 2016

Last updated on October 9, 2019

There are two ways to get free tax help, thanks to the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the United Way of Tarrant County.

1. Self-Prepare Your Taxes Online

Tax filers who earned less than $62,000 in 2015 may be eligible to self-prepare their taxes online using MyFreeTaxes. By taking advantage of this service, you may be able to not only save money, but get more money back by doing your own taxes through the self-guided system.

2. Get In-Person Help With Your Taxes

Need in-person help, or have questions? Tax filers who earned less than $54,000 may be eligible for in-person help from an IRS-certified tax preparer at one of more than 30 IRS-sponsored free tax preparation sites throughout DFW. Not sure what kind of assistance you’ll need, or which kind you’re qualified for? Read more about the requirements for online tax preparation or free in-person assistance.

Six Benefits of Using MyFreeTaxes

  1. It saves you money! The average cost of tax preparation was $273 in 2015, with 20 percent of customers purchasing a refund anticipation loan and therefore adding to that cost.
  2. It’s high quality! If you’re filing online then you’re using reliable online software created by H&R Block. If you’re getting in-person assistance, then you’re using an IRS-certified volunteer.
  3. It helps reduce poverty! Free tax preparation helps eligible filers claim valuable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Don’t leave money on the table – these valuable tax credits can help net you a larger tax refund in 2016!
  4. It’s good for the economy! Nearly 50 thousand filers in Dallas County alone are eligible to claim the EITC and/or CTC but don’t, which costs the Dallas economy nearly $70 million annually.
  5. It’s convenient! Log in anytime, anywhere to work your way through the online process.
  6. It can start the conversation when it comes to other helpful benefits! MyFreeTaxes can also help individuals learn about other important services like health care, financial education, FAFSA preparation, opportunities for savings and more.

What You Need to File Your Taxes for Free Through MyFreeTaxes

You will need:

  • Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each family member and working adult.
  • 1095-A if you received a tax credit from the healthcare.gov marketplace.
  • Child care provider name, address and tax ID, if applicable.
  • Bank routing and account numbers for checking or savings account (if you qualify for refund via secure direct deposit).
  • Last year’s tax return, if you have it.
  • A valid email address.

Important Dates to Remember for the 2016 Tax Season

  • Jan. 7: MyFreeTaxes website goes live
  • Jan. 18: VITA sites begin opening (you can see site opening dates on the Free Tax Center Map)
  • Jan. 19: IRS begins accepting electronic tax returns
  • April 18: Last day to file

More Information About DCCCD

Published inCommunity