Getting step-by-step help with taxes

When tax season came around, Sam faced some difficult choices. She had worked hard all year, but like many families, she was stretched thin.

Sam found help at the United Way of Lancaster County's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparation program. Since 2007, the Pennsylvania-based United Way has provided free, high-quality tax preparation to those eligible, keeping more money in the hands of working families by removing the average $273 tax prep fee. In 2025, the VITA program saved taxpayers more than $2.4 million in fees.

Step-by-step help

Sam followed a clear set of steps to file her taxes with help from volunteers and IRS-certified preparers.  

First, she scheduled an appointment online (tax filers can also schedule by phone). When she arrived, a greeter welcomed her, helped her complete an intake form, and checked her documents. 

Next, she met with an IRS-certified preparer who worked with her to complete the required forms. After that, another certified preparer reviewed the return for quality.

Finally, Sam signed her return, and it was placed in the e-file queue under the supervision of a site coordinator. Sitting with the volunteer, she was able to go through her return step-by-step and better understand her options.

When Sam left her appointment, she still had responsibilities waiting for her at home. But she also had the support of people who took the time to answer questions and help her leave with a plan. 

“By providing free, IRS-certified tax preparation, we’re helping families access vital refunds and credits that can make a real difference in their daily lives.”  

 

Kate Zimmerman, President and CEO, United Way of Lancaster County

Removing barriers

United Way mobilizes the community’s desire to help by bringing together trained tax volunteers who return each year to assist neighbors in filing their taxes accurately. Greeters, site coordinators, and certified preparers work as a team. 

They pay close attention to details, enabling families to avoid costly errors and submit a complete return with confidence.

Many local individuals and families work hard and still have to make tough choices throughout the year, says Kate Zimmerman, President and CEO, United Way of Lancaster County.

Tax season can add pressure, especially when families are not sure what they owe, what they might qualify for, or where to start. Free, in-person tax preparation helps remove one more cost and one more unknown from the month’s budget.  

“VITA meets people where they are, removing barriers to financial services that too many in our community face," Zimmerman says. “By providing free, IRS-certified tax preparation, we’re helping families access vital refunds and credits that can make a real difference in their daily lives.”  

United Way also provides free tax filing support to U.S. residents, through our online MyFreeTaxes service. MyFreeTaxes is the only free, national online tax filing program offered by a nonprofit. Guided software helps you file your state and federal taxes in an hour, from your phone, tablet or computer.