Taxes
Safe, secure, easy, and free tax help is available to everyone, including ITIN holders. Learn more about the free options available.
Check out this Guide to Filing Your Taxes in 2026 from the CFPB
Safety, Privacy, and Access: Supporting Marginalized Communities in Tax Season
January 15, 2026
Working Families Tax Credit Presentation | United Way of King County Presentation | UW Federal Tax Clinic Presentation
Presented by UW School of Law Federal Tax Clinic, Hopelink, United Way of King County, and Department of Revenue's Working Families Tax Credit.
Communities facing the greatest barriers, including immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, domestic violence survivors and others who have been historically marginalized, often encounter unique risks when accessing financial, tax, and public services. Fear of data sharing with enforcement agencies, uncertainty about documentation changes, and discrimination during filing can all prevent people from getting the support they deserve. This workshop brings together experts from legal, government, and community-based sectors to help service providers understand risks and resources available.
This workshop was not recorded.
Taxes 101: Tax Basics for Financial Empowerment
February 12, 2025
Taxes 101 Presentation | Facts about ITIN Presentation | Workshop Recording
It was great to get back to basics and hear an overview of income taxes and facts about the individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). We learned about the new resources including the website My Free Taxes WA where you can find free tax prep resources and United Ways of Pacific Northwest's Benefit Kitchen. Make sure you check them out!
Presented by Tasha Dalstra with United Way of King County, Elizabeth Escobar with Express Credit Union, and Jim Cooper with United Ways of the Pacific Northwest.
Taxes in Washington
January 10, 2024
Tax season is an important time of year and getting the most out of tax returns can be a daunting task for families looking to kickstart savings, reduce debt, or reach their financial goals. Access to the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Washington Working Families Tax Credit are incredible resources to take the next step towards stability and beyond. Join us to learn about updates to the WFTC and ways to connect community members with free tax filing!
- Katie Koontz, WFTC Team, Department of Revenue
- Ryan McFerran, United Way of King County
- Cindy Gossett, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Supporting VITA and Free Tax Preparation Across the Northwest
January 19, 2022
Presented by: The FDIC
Panelists include:
- Riley Eldredge, Metropolitan Family Service - CASH Oregon
- Dan McAvoy, NeighborWorks Umpqua
- Sue Curtis, AARP Tax Aide Skagit County
- Andrea Alexander, NW Native Asset Building Coalition
Tax season doesn't have to be stressful. My Free Taxes Washington is a resource from United Ways of the Pacific Northwest and it is here to guide you! From free filing options to tax assistance programs and more, you'll find everything you need. Find support this tax season with My Free Taxes Washington.
In 2023, Washington State began offering the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC). This is a new tax credit for Washington workers, and individuals and families may receive up to $1,200 back if they meet certain eligibility requirements. Learn more about eligibility and see if you qualify! For community partners, learn more about the program and how to support the people and communities you serve.
Hear more about the Department of Revenue's commitment to protecting costumer's privacy amid federal immigration policy changes.
Check out the Working Families Tax Credit Coalition, led by the Washington Budget and Policy Center. The coalition also offers fantastic outreach materials, available in 15 languages.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund. Help spread the word to ensure more individuals and families receive this important tax credit!
The Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. Use this helpful locator tool to find free basic tax return preparation near you!
AARP offers tax preparation and assistance for low and moderate-income individuals. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 888-227-7669 or visit their website.
The Federal Tax Clinic assists low-income individuals throughout Western Washington resolve disputes with the Internal Revenue Service. The clinic offers this assistance as a public service and as a means of training law students in tax practice. The Tax Clinic has added a pro bono panel of volunteer attorneys to assist the growing number of low-income taxpayers who have disputes with the IRS. The clinic handles tax cases at all stages of the dispute, from clients under audit by the IRS, to cases before the United States Tax Court, and collection cases.
Contact (206) 685-6805 or toll free (866) 866-0158, litc@uw.edu
M-F, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Weekend and extended hours appointments available.
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an independent organization within the IRS. We’re here to ensure that every taxpayer is treated fairly and that you know and understand your rights. Our advocates can help if you have tax problems that you can’t resolve on your own.
- Self-filing: File your taxes online free with United Way’s filing tool.
- Virtual tax preparation: Get free tax preparation services virtually from your own home. In a partnership with Code for America, our local United Way Free Tax Preparation experts now can remotely prepare your tax return and file it electronically with your consent. Simply answer a few questions and submit your documents to a secured portal.
Keep more of your hard-earned dollars and get free help! Trained and IRS-certified tax experts are available to provide safe, secure and 100% online assistance in filing your taxes. United Way of King County volunteers know all the new tax laws and available credits, including those in the new relief bill, so that they can maximize your return and you can keep more of your money. Learn more about the options available including virtual options outside of King County.
