E-File Now For Free

Know how to prepare your own taxes? Was your 2012 income under $57,000? If yes, use our site to prepare & e-file your 2012 federal & state taxes for free. You will need a valid email address to use this service.

Schedule An Appointment Online

Let us help you. Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our IRS certified tax preparers. Appointments are available Monday through Saturday, days & evenings.

Schedule An Appointment By Phone

Prefer talking to someone or have a question? Dial 211 on your telephone and be connected to the nearest United Way office, or call (574) 232-8201 ext 248.

Do I Qualify?

We can generally prepare your return through the free IRS VITA program if your 2012 household income is $51,000 or less and your return does not include the following:

• Adoption Credit
• Farm Income
• Rental Property Income
• Foreign Income

If you have any of the following items, please contact us for clarification before your appointment so we can better serve you: military

• Military income
• Foreign income
• Self-employment income requiring a Schedule C under $10,000** (limited expenses only and no losses)
• Complicated or Advanced Schedule D (Capital Gains and Losses)

What Should I Bring?

To have your tax returns prepared, make sure to bring the following:

• Government-issued picture ID for you and your spouse, if married filing jointly.
• Social Security Card, ITIN Card or printout from the Social Security Administration for you, your spouse, children and any other dependents. Just having the number written down is not enough.
• Birth dates for you, your spouse, children and any other depends.
• Both spouses must be present to sign the required forms, if married and filing jointly.
• All income statements such as W-2, 1099 (i.e. unemployment or social security benefits), 1098 and any other income information.
• Interest and divident statements from banks (Forms 1099).
• Mortgage interest and Indiana property taxes paid, if you own a home.
• Landlord name and address if renting.

• Last year's federal and state returns if available. Helpful for ensuring accuracy of return.
• Records for tax deductions and credits such as:
  • Child care: Please bring ID number & address of child care provider and total amount of child care expenses
  • College students: Student loan interest (Form 1098-E) and/or college tuition (Form 1098-T)
  • Itemized deduction: See the list of possible deductions on the IRS website.
  • Self-employed: Business receipts and expenses.
• Bank routing number and account numbers to directly deposit your refunds, such as a blank check.
• Power of Attorney authorization document if you are acting for someone else. The document must state that "the representative can file and sign federal and state tax returns."

If you do not have an SSN for you or a dependent, please contact or visit your nearest Social Security Administration Office. If you or your dependent is not eligible to get a Social Security Number, you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Contact Us

Let us know how we can help you! Call or send us an email.

Dawn Chapla
(574) 232-8201 ext. 228
DChapla [at] uwsjc.org

Laura Stringfellow
(574) 232-8201 ext. 248
LStringfellow [at] uwsjc.org

About Us

UnitedWayTaxHelp.org is part of the United Way Pro$perity Building Campaign throughout Elkhart, Kosciusko, La Porte, Marshall & St. Joseph Counties in Indiana. Through the Pro$perity Building Campaign, United Way is helping individuals and families achieve financial stability and promote asset development.