free tax preparation

FILE FOR FREE


Our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free income tax assistance to thousands of families across Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties every year. Our VITA program also ensures that clients receive all the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible. 


If your household earned less than $60,000 last year, you qualify to file your taxes for free through our free tax preparation program. See below for details on how you can file your taxes for free in-person or online.

BECOME A VITA VOLUNTEER

Through VITA, dedicated volunteers just like you help local families keep more of what they earn. 


No experience required to become a VITA volunteer. United Way of the Piedmont will provide you with the tax training and tools to become IRS-certified. All volunteers must be comfortable using a computer.

APPLY HERE

in-person tax preparation

Make an appointment to receive assistance filing your taxes from an IRS-certified volunteer at a location convenient for you. Returns are filed electronically, and with direct deposit, refunds are deposited in 7-10 days. 


We are now accepting appointments for the 2025 tax season. Please call 211 to schedule.

in-person tax preparation

Make an appointment to receive assistance filing your taxes from an IRS-certified volunteer at a location convenient for you.  

Returns are filed electronically, and with direct deposit, refunds are deposited in 7-10 days.  

Make an appointment by calling 864-582-2975. 

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

Social Security Cards and/or ITIN cards for taxpayer, spouse and dependents listed on the return

Bank Account Number & Routing Number (for direct deposit of any refund) 

All Income Statements: W-2, 1099, 1099-R, Social Security Benefits Statement and other income sources

Tuition Statement (1098-T)

and related expenses from college or technical school 

Statement from Child Care Provider (includes total paid and tax ID number) 

Affordable Care Act Statements : Form 1095-A, B or C 

A copy of last year’s Tax Return,

if available 

Photo ID for taxpayer and spouse (if married filing jointly)

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING WITH YOU

Social Security Cards and/or ITIN cards for taxpayer, spouse and dependents listed on the return
Bank Account Number & Routing Number (for direct deposit of any refund) 
All Income Statements: W-2, 1099, 1099-R, Social Security Benefits Statement and other income sources
Tuition Statement (1098-T) and related expenses from college or technical school 
Statement from Child Care Provider (includes total paid and tax ID number) 
Affordable Care Act Statements: Form 1095-A, B or C 
A copy of last year’s Tax Return,
 if available 
Photo ID for taxpayer and spouse (if married filing jointly)

ONLINE tax preparation

File your taxes for free online using United Way’s My Free Taxes. This online tool allows you to self-file for free using a simple step-by-step process that includes support from IRS-certified specialists. 

START YOUR RETURN NOW

Irs Tips

CREATE an IRS Online Account


We encourage all taxpayers to create an IRS online account. An online account is a safe and easy way for individual taxpayers to view specific details about their federal tax account. Having an online account can save time waiting on the phone to speak with an IRS representative. Here are some of the benefits and features of this online system.


Taxpayers can view:

  • Their payoff amount, which is updated for the current day.
  • The balance for each tax year for which they owe taxes.
  • Their payment history.
  • Key information from the their most current tax return as originally filed.
  • Payment plan details if they have one.
  • Digital copies of select IRS notices.
  • Economic Impact Payments if they received any.
  • Their address on file. 

Protect your Identity


An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you don't already have an IP PIN, you may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft.


Visit irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin to request an IP PIN today.

Volunteer & HELP OUR COMMUNITY FILE FOR FREE

Volunteering with our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a high-impact and rewarding volunteer experience! Whether you're a college student wanting to build skills, a retiree with extra time to give, or a community member looking for an opportunity to make a difference, VITA is a meaningful way to invest your time in our community.

FIND OUT MORE

ONLINE tax preparation

File your taxes for free online using United Way’s My Free Taxes. This online tool allows you to self-file for free using a simple step-by-step process that includes support from IRS-certified specialists.  
START YOUR RETURN NOW

BECOME A VITA VOLUNTEER

Local families need your help to get their federal tax refund without paying unnecessary predatory tax service fees. Through VITA, dedicated volunteers just like you help local families keep more of what they earn.  

No experience required to become a VITA volunteer. United Way of the Piedmont will provide you with the tax training and tools to become IRS-certified. All volunteers must be comfortable using a computer.
APPLY HERE