Informing Others About Free Tax Preparation
Increasing awareness of free tax preparation options can be done online or on site, through social media or actual signage. Developing partnerships, downloading free tax prep materials, providing free tax prep to employees — these are all ways to spread the word.
The Importance of Spreading Awareness
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a pathway out of poverty for millions of American taxpayers. The EITC is available to low and moderate-income working families and individuals. Each year, billions of dollars go unclaimed because individuals do not claim tax credits like the EITC or do not file a tax return. Educating people with disabilities about the benefits and savings that tax credits like the EITC can have is essential.
25 Million
Number of people/families that received over $63 billion in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 2019.
8.9 Million
Estimated number of people lifted out of poverty by receiving the EITC, including 4.8 million children.
The Importance of Spreading Awareness
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a pathway out of poverty for millions of American taxpayers. The EITC is available to low and moderate-income working families and individuals. Each year, billions of dollars go unclaimed because individuals do not claim tax credits like the EITC or do not file a tax return. Educating people with disabilities about the benefits and savings that tax credits like the EITC can have is essential.
25 Million
Number of people/families that received over $63 billion in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) in 2019.
8.9 Million
Estimated number of people lifted out of poverty by receiving the EITC, including 4.8 million children.
Tips to increase awareness of free tax prep options
- Partner with IRS
- Utilize IRS Partner and Volunteer Resource Center
- Subscribe to the IRS Outreach Corner
- Identify and reach out to your local VITA/Tax coalition partners or http://www.211.org
- Join NDI’s REI Network to be connected with local disability coalitions
- MyFreeTaxes.com
- Contact local VITA/Tax coalitions for free flyers, outreach content
- Download posters, flyers, payroll stuffers with locations of local VITA sites and website links
- Add PSAs to lobby and waiting room video feeds
Write or obtain pre-written articles to include in internal/external newsletters/email.
Signage can highlight benefits of free tax prep and refer individuals to local sites on online self-preparation.
- MyFreeTaxes.com Partner Portal
- IRS Social Media Toolkit
- IRS Social Media Partner Tools
- Follow, like and retweet local free tax preparation partner posts on Facebook and Twitter. Ask local partners to follow, like and retweet your social media contents
These links can be on your website and/or on computers in computer labs.
Find information to share at EITC Awareness Day.
Read the EITC Brochure from the Internal Revenue Service 2018.
- Hang posters, distribute flyers, payroll stuffers with times and locations of local VITA sites and website links in: employee break rooms, gathering places, front desks, human resource departments, et.c
- Be sure your Human Resources personnel are familiar with free tax services.
- VITA Grant Program Overview and Application Instructions
- AARP Foundation Tax Aide – Tax Aide Local Site Locator
- Conduct an internet search for local community groups involved in asset building, tax coalitions, financial education, or wellness and employment assistance
- Local and state Tax Coalitions
- Financial Empowerment Centers
- Local Department of Agriculture Extension Offices
- Local office of Economic Opportunities
- American Job Centers Career OneStop
- City and County Libraries
- State public assistance agencies
- Universities and Colleges
- Local non-profit credit counseling services
- Local Goodwill Industries
- Local fair housing boards
- Neighborhood community centers
- State and local government representative offices
Email partner@IRS.gov with your contact information and expressing your interests. An IRS relationship manager from your local community will respond to you.
Get access to training videos and other downloadable marketing materials at MyFreeTaxes.com.
For helpful practices and to complete the Standards of Conduct module, get started with Link and Learn.
Discuss marketing, operational information, and cross referral services.
- Room with dedicated computers
- Posted Tax Coach office hours
- Place software link on all client computers with Tax Coach “on call” for tax filer assistance or national helpline # posted
- Services will be provided by appointment only or drop ins allowed
This makes them aware of the program and its operation in order to answer phone and in-person inquiries.
Search alternative filing innovations for ideas.
- Paper and digital flyers to distribute around organization and to partners
- Public Service Announcements
- Email to all partners and employees with program information
- Include informational sessions in all staff meetings, workshops and seminars for employees and clients
- Hang posters in all public spaces
- Post pre-written and organization-specific material on all social media outlets
- Provide link to MFT and/or program calendar on organization website
Download digital marketing materials including flyers and logos of free tax prep partners in your community and add them to your company’s electronic and print newsletters.
Allow employees extra time during or after work hours to prepare their returns.
Learn more at http://www.211.org/.
Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers.
Free Tax Preparation Services
Veterans
Free tax preparation expands services provided to veterans, transitioning military and their families.
People with Disabilities
Free tax preparation introduces financial education to the disability community both nationally and locally.
Job Seekers
Free tax preparation expands services in organizations who help job seekers in an easy and cost-effective way.
Questions?
National Disability Institute works to improve the financial health and well-being of people across the spectrum of disability.
If you have questions or want more information about our projects, please call (202) 296-2040 or email info@ndi-inc.org.