70% of U.S. Filers Can Get Free Online Tax Prep & Filing

(LAKE COUNTY, IL- February 2016) - Seventy percent of American tax filers are eligible for free tax filing, and some don’t know they can save $200 in tax preparation fees every year by using MyFreeTaxes, the first free national, online tax filing platform.

MyFreeTaxes provides free federal and state tax preparation and filing assistance, both online and in person, to individuals and families with household incomes of $62,000 or less in 2015. MyFreeTaxes can be used to file federal and state taxes in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for those who qualify.

Last year, more than 200,000 tax returns were filed on MyFreeTaxes.com, a 2,400% increase since the platform launched in 2009.

Offering free English and Spanish tax support, MyFreeTaxes provides qualifying filers access to tax coaches for in-person, self-preparation assistance. The online tool allows taxpayers to self-file for free using a simple step-by-step process that includes free telephone, email and online chat support from IRS-certified specialists.

MyFreeTaxes is an interactive resource for information regarding tax preparation, valuable credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, and personal finance, as well as access to free, in-person tax preparation sites. It’s funded by a $1.3 million grant from the Walmart Foundation, and made possible through the collaboration of 1,000 partners, including the IRS, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and state and local government agencies.

About United Way Worldwide: With 2.6 million volunteers and 9.6 million donors worldwide, and more than $5 billion raised every year, United Way is the world’s largest privately-funded nonprofit. We’re engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create community solutions that improve life for everyone. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter: @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited

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