Tax Preparation & Benefits Navigation

Tax Preparation & Benefits Navigation

Helping Households Access Income, Tax Credits, and Essential Resources

Financial security isn't just about what a household earns. It's also about keeping more of that income, accessing available resources, and building greater financial stability.

For ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households across Snohomish County, the cost of preparing a tax return, missing an eligible tax credit, or navigating complicated assistance programs can create additional financial challenges.

United Way of Snohomish County works with community partners to expand access to free tax preparation, promote valuable federal and state tax credits, and connect individuals and families with resources that support household stability and economic mobility.

Our goal is simple: Help more households access the financial resources they've earned and the support they need to move from financial vulnerability toward lasting stability.

Don't Miss Valuable Tax Credits

Tax credits can make a meaningful difference in a household's financial security. For eligible workers and families, these credits may reduce taxes owed, increase refunds, or provide additional income to help cover essential expenses.

Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit helps eligible workers and families with low-to-moderate earnings reduce their federal income tax burden and potentially increase their refund. Eligibility and credit amounts depend on income, filing status, and household circumstances.

Washington Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)

Washington's Working Families Tax Credit provides eligible individuals and families with a cash refund based on income and household circumstances. The credit can provide additional resources for groceries, transportation, utilities, emergency savings, and other household needs. Qualifying Washington residents may be eligible even if they do not owe federal income taxes. Individuals filing with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may also qualify.

Benefits Navigation In 10 Minutes

Financial security also means knowing where to turn when household income cannot keep pace with essential expenses.

Many working households earn too much to qualify for some assistance programs but still struggle to afford housing, food, healthcare, childcare, and utilities. Others may qualify for support without realizing that resources are available.

Washington Benefit Kitchen

United Way connects residents with Washington Benefit Kitchen, a free online screening resource provided through United Ways of the Pacific Northwest.

In approximately 10 minutes, residents can explore potential eligibility for public benefits and tax credits, including assistance with:

  • Food and nutrition
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Housing-related and utility expenses
  • Childcare and family support
  • Federal tax credits and other financial resources

The confidential screening provides information about programs for which a household may qualify and directs users toward the appropriate application resources.

Screening results are estimates of potential eligibility, not guarantees of enrollment or benefits.

Partner With Us 

United Way of Snohomish County is building partnerships to make free tax preparation and financial resource navigation more accessible throughout our community. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with financial institutions, employers, educational institutions, community organizations, and individuals interested in supporting this work.

Partnership opportunities include hosting tax preparation sites, recruiting and training VITA volunteers, supporting outreach to underserved households, and connecting residents with tax credits and financial assistance resources.

By working together, we can help more Snohomish County households retain their earnings, access available financial support, and build a stronger foundation for the future.

Interested in partnering with United Way?

Contact Susan Gustafson, Director of Programs, at 425-374-5503 or email susan.gustafson@uwsc.org.

Free Tax Preparation 
& Filing Assistance

MyFreeTaxesWA.org 

Filing your taxes shouldn't mean paying unnecessary preparation fees or missing valuable tax credits.

MyFreeTaxesWA.org connects Washington residents with free, trusted tax preparation and filing options, including:

  • Prepare your own taxes: Access free online tax preparation software to complete and file your return.
  • Get help online: Eligible taxpayers can have their returns prepared remotely by IRS-certified volunteers.
  • Find in-person assistance: Locate participating Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites offering free tax preparation.

Availability and eligibility requirements vary by service. MyFreeTaxesWA.org helps taxpayers identify the option that best meets their needs.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free basic tax return preparation for eligible individuals and families, including many low-to-moderate-income households, people with disabilities, and taxpayers who need language assistance.

Trained, IRS-certified volunteers help eligible taxpayers prepare accurate returns and identify tax credits for which they may qualify.

United Way of Snohomish County is working to expand access to in-person VITA services in Everett beginning with the 2027 tax filing season, in collaboration with community organizations, educational institutions, and trained volunteers.

As local sites, schedules, and appointment procedures are confirmed, information will be shared here.

In the meantime, individuals seeking free tax preparation can locate participating providers through the resources below.

Find Free Tax Preparation Assistance

Locations, appointments, hours, and eligibility requirements vary by provider and filing season.