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Free Tax Preparation

We provide free tax preparations for households who make $69,000 or less from February through April. Tax returns are prepared by trained and IRS-certified volunteers. We have various locations in Fresno and Madera.

To make an appointment:

  • Call 211 (Fresno County)
  • Call 866-559-4211 (Madera County)
  • Online at My Free Taxes

Appointments are strongly recommended.

TAX CREDITS

You may qualify for other tax credits, like the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). CalEITC is a credit for California’s working families and individuals. Find out more about CalEITC here.

Click here to learn about all of the credits our team will try to get for you.

ARE YOU SELF EMPLOYED?

The Self-Employed Tax Guide gives entrepreneurs information they need to  file their taxes and maximize their refunds using a free online software available through MyFreeTaxes. Visit www.myfreetaxes.com/selfemployed for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it cost me anything to get my taxes done?
No, our services are completely free for individuals who qualify.

Why should I use your Free Tax Services?
We can help you save money and get money back on your taxes.*
Our team will help you maximize your return, often earning clients thousands of dollars in credits through CalEITC and federal Earned Income Tax Credits.

Can you help me if I do not speak English?
We have volunteers and staff who speak Spanish. For other languages we have a phone interpreter that can help translate.

Is tax help available year round?
We recommend that you file your return on-time to avoid any penalties and late fee.

Are United Way Volunteers trained and certified to prepare tax returns?
All of our volunteers are trained and certified as Certified Tax Preparers through IRS-approved training.

How long does the process take to complete my tax returns?
It ranges from 45 mins to 1 hour and 30 minutes

What if I forgot my social security card or ID?
You will need BOTH your physical Social Security Card and Photo ID to get assistance.

What if I do not qualify for filing assistance?
You can prepare your tax returns at myfreetaxes.com: a free resource for preparing most basic tax returns for both federal and state filing

I need previous tax returns prepared. Can you help me?
We can assist clients needing to file 2020-2025 tax returns.

How do I sign up to volunteer with the United Way Fresno and Madera Counties?
It’s simple! Fill out this form to get the process started and a staff member will reach out!

Do I have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits?
SSI Benefit is nontaxable; however, it will tax the taxpayer only if they receive other income including pension or other taxable income.

How do I track my federal refund?
You can track your refund status on the IRS website using the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool.