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Free Tax Preparation in Knox County

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Need Assistance with Your Taxes?

The United Way offers crucial support for low- to middle-income families who live, work,
or learn in Knox County through free tax assistance and filing.

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MyFreeTaxes.com – Taxpayers can file at no cost thanks to a partnership between the United Way and the IRS. Whether you are working or retired, MyFreeTaxes.com offers step-by-step instructions to complete an accurate return and receive your maximum refund. Learn more here

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VITA – When tax season arrives, volunteers with United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program dedicate themselves to preparing hundreds of tax returns for Knox County residents in need. With the help of many community partners, these IRS-certified volunteers return over half a million dollars to our community and save our co-workers, neighbors, and friends tens of thousands of dollars in tax preparation fees.

Do You Qualify for Free Federal & State Tax Filing?

You might qualify for free federal and state returns (no local) if:

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Eligibility

  • You live, work, or learn in Knox County, Ohio

  • Household makes less than $84,000 (generally)

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Exclusions

  • Rental income

  • Clergy income

  • Schedule C (business) with losses, expenses over $10K, depreciation, or employees

  • Complex capital gains/losses (Schedule D)

  • Inherited property

  • Farm income

  • Schedule K-1 (investment-only returns may be allowed)

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Three Ways to File My Free Taxes

My Free Taxes helps people file their taxes for free and get the assistance they need. Visit their website.

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My Free Taxes is 100% free for all state and federal returns for individuals or households earning less than $84,000 last year.

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Tax situations covered for free in My Free Taxes include:

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  • W-2 income

  • Retirement income

  • Schedule C self employment

  • Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV

  • Education expenses, credits, or student loan interest

  • Unemployment income

  • Claiming the standard deduction

  • Earned Income Tax Credit

  • Child tax credits

  • Child and dependent care expenses

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

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Drop-Off Appointments

Want to skip the wait? New this year, the United Way of Knox County is accepting drop-off appointments.

When you arrive, a trained tax return preparer will accept and review your intake paperwork and documents to help clear up any questions.

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Be sure to add 740-397-5721 to your contacts so you won’t miss the call that your tax return is ready to be picked up.

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Drop-Off Schedule
By appointment only (10–15 minutes)

  • Mondays: Noon–6 PM

  • Tuesdays: 9–11 AM

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One-on-One Appointments

Need additional assistance through curbside service? Our trained volunteers will prepare your return while you wait, asking questions and reviewing your return at your appointment.

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One-on-One Schedule
(20–40 minutes)

  • Wednesdays: 9 AM–3 PM

  • Thursdays: 9 AM–Noon

  • Super Saturdays (2/7, 2/21, 3/14): 8 AM–Noon

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Appointments

We will start taking tax appointments 1/20/26.
Please call to set an appointment: 740.397.5721

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Not sure which appointment type is right for your tax situation?
Our staff is happy to help. Call 740.397.5721

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Necessary Items for Your Appointment

It is highly important that you bring the following documents to your VITA appointment. Failure to do so may result in your appointment being canceled, even if you have utilized the service in the past.

Along with all of the items listed below, please bring a completed copy of the provided intake paperwork (yellow sheet) or arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment to complete on site.

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Items to Bring (per the IRS)

  • Valid photo ID

  • A copy of last year’s state and federal returns

  • Birth dates, Social Security cards and/or ITIN notices for you, your spouse, and any dependents

  • Proof of foreign status, if applicable

  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from ALL 2025 employers

  • Information for all other income, such as investments

  • Total paid for childcare and the childcare provider’s tax identifying number (Social Security or Business Employer Identification number)

  • Forms 1095-A, B, and C health coverage statements OR health insurance exemption certificate, if applicable

  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check (now required for all returns)

  • Married couples filing a joint tax return must both be present to sign the required forms

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Get Involved

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Interested in helping your neighbors as a VITA volunteer?
Email taxes@uwayknox.org to learn more.

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