United Way Free Community Tax Service Launches Across Brown, Monroe, and Owen Counties

​Tax season is here, and United Way of South Central Indiana (UWSCI), in partnership with local organizations, is offering free in-person and online tax preparation through its 2026 Free Community Tax Service. Beginning Tuesday, January 27, IRS-certified volunteers will serve community members at eight in-person sites across Brown, Monroe, and Owen counties.
Hoosiers earning $67,000 or less annually may qualify for free assistance with filing both federal and Indiana state tax returns.

Tax preparation is provided at no cost, with trained volunteers working one-on-one with clients to help ensure they receive every dollar they’re eligible for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

One site managed by the AARP Tax-Aide Program, located at Endwright East at the Bloomington College Mall, does not have income or age requirements for service.

In addition to in-person assistance, residents with a combined Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $89,000 or less can file their taxes online for free from home or anywhere with an internet connection.

Community members can learn more about both in-person and online options at www.unitedwaysci.org/FreeTaxes.
 
2025 Impact
During the 2025 tax season, the Free Community Tax Service brought together 78 volunteers to help local residents file 851 federal tax returns, saving clients more than $200,000 in tax preparation fees and returning over $1 million in refunds and credits to the community.
United Way managed seven full-service tax sites, with AARP managing two additional locations. 

Nearly $250,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits was claimed, with 128 filers receiving EITC and working families receiving $112,097 in Child Tax Credits. Approximately 64% of clients were seniors, many of whom reported using their refunds to cover essential expenses such as food, housing, medical care, transportation, and savings.
 
Supporting ALICE Families
The Free Community Tax Service is part of UWSCI’s broader strategy to advance stability and opportunity for ALICE families—working households who earn too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to meet the cost of living. Alongside grantmaking, UWSCI directly invests in programs such as the Financial Stability Alliance, Bank On Bloomington, Truancy Case Management, youth mentoring, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and more. Together, these initiatives strengthen financial security, improve health outcomes, and expand opportunities for young people—ultimately connecting more families to possibility.
 
Carmen Chamorro Avilés, Community Impact Manager at United Way of South Central Indiana, said, “With the help of our dedicated volunteers, United Way is proud to continue offering this critical service to help community members receive their full refunds and avoid costly preparation fees. Now more than ever, these dollars make a real difference in strengthening financial stability for families in our region. We’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us.”

To learn more about the Free Community Tax Service, visit www.unitedwaysci.org/FreeTaxes.
 
SERVICE AND TAX UPDATES

Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
New this year: Indiana Legal Services’ Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) will offer walk-in tax consultations at the Bloomington City Hall site during regular operating hours.

The LITC assists Indiana residents experiencing tax-related issues with the IRS by providing education, advocacy, and, when appropriate, representation. While the clinic is funded through an IRS grant, it operates independently of the IRS and does not typically provide tax preparation services.
 
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can provide a significant boost—up to $8,046 for those who qualify. The EITC is a refundable federal tax credit for low- and moderate-income working individuals and families. Because it is refundable, eligible taxpayers may receive a refund even if no taxes are owed.

Despite its impact, one in five eligible individuals does not claim the credit. Filing a tax return is required to receive the EITC, even for those who are not otherwise required to file. United Way’s tax volunteers are trained to help ensure eligible residents can access the EITC and other available credits.

Bilingual Tax Preparation Assistance
United Way is again partnering with the City of Bloomington to offer a full-service Spanish-language tax site. Spanish-speaking residents can file their taxes with certified bilingual volunteers. Appointments can be made in Spanish by calling (812) 349-3860.

Nonresident Taxpayers
Free Community Tax Service locations are not certified to prepare returns for nonresident taxpayers. Nonresidents affiliated with Indiana University may contact the Office of International Services for assistance at www.ois.iu.edu

Partners
United Way of South Central Indiana serves as the lead convener, working alongside a strong network of partners to deliver the Free Community Tax Service. Partners include 2-1-1, AARP, Area 10 Agency on Aging Endwright East Community Center, Brown County Public Library, City of Bloomington, Financial Stability Alliance of South Central Indiana, First Financial Bank, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Indiana Legal Services – Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, Ivy Tech Community College–Bloomington, MCCSC Broadview Adult Learning, Monroe County Public Library – Ellettsville Branch, Owen County Public Library, and dedicated community volunteers.