United Way Helps Residents Reclaim Over $1 Million Through Free Community Tax Service

United Way program saves South Central Indiana taxpayers hundreds of thousands in fees and boosts financial stability across the region

​United Way of South Central Indiana is pleased to share the success and community impact of its 2025 Free Community Tax Service. This vital financial stability initiative brought back more than $1 million in tax refunds and credits to residents across the region.

This year, 78 IRS-certified volunteers helped file 851 federal tax returns, saving taxpayers an estimated $212,750 in preparation fees and returning $1,047,364 in federal refunds and credits. Many households reported using their refunds for essential needs such as food, clothing, transportation, medical care, and savings.

“The Free Community Tax Service is about more than just numbers—it’s about empowering our neighbors,” said Randy Rogers, President & CEO of United Way of South Central Indiana. “These refunds can be life-changing for individuals and families living paycheck to paycheck. We’re grateful to the volunteers and partners who made this impact possible.”

Carmen Chamorro Avilés, United Way’s Community Impact Manager, emphasized the crucial role volunteers play in the program’s success: “What our volunteers do can’t be overstated. They come back each year with the skills and heart to help others, and because of that, our neighbors gain a real opportunity for financial stability and peace of mind.”

Key highlights from the 2025 tax season include:

• 37% of filers were below the federal poverty line
• 15% of returns claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit, totaling $249,796
• $112,097 in Child Tax Credits were returned to working families
• 64% of clients were aged 60 or older; 16% were 75 or older
• The average adjusted gross income for households served was $29,492

United Way operated seven full-service tax sites in Monroe, Owen, and Brown counties. AARP operated two additional locations. Clients came from communities throughout Monroe and surrounding counties, including rural areas where access to free tax preparation is often limited.

The Free Community Tax Service is one part of United Way’s broader financial stability strategy, which also includes initiatives like the Bank On Bloomington program and the Financial Stability Alliance. Together, these efforts support United Way’s mission to help connect local people to possibility.

Along with United Way of South Central Indiana and the Financial Stability Alliance, partners of the Free Community Tax Service include: 2-1-1, AARP, Area 10 Agency on Aging Endwright Center East, Brown County Public Library, City of Bloomington, First Financial Bank, Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Ivy Tech Community College–Bloomington, MCCSC Broadview Adult Learning, Monroe County Public Library, Owen County Public Library, and community volunteers.

United Way of South Central Indiana remains committed to building financial security for all residents, and the Free Community Tax Service continues to be a cornerstone of that work.

Learn more or sign up to volunteer at: https://www.unitedwaysci.org/FreeTaxes