United Way of Greater St. Louis is partnering with local tax coalitions to provide free tax preparation services to St. Louis-area families with a household income of $60,000 or less in 2022. 

Almost all tax site locations require appointments this year that can be scheduled online or by phone, though there are still a few walk-in locations available. Local residents can dial 211 or visit 211helps.org to find their nearest tax preparation site, learn how to make an appointment, or get more information.

Last year, United Way’s tax coalition partnership filed more than 17,000 tax returns in the St. Louis region, helping local low- and middle-income families receive more than $21 million in tax refunds.

United Way is focused on helping to raise awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal and Missouri state tax credit that helps off-set the tax burden for low-income working families. The average national EITC refund in 2022 was $2,043. According to the IRS, in 2022, more than 31 million workers and families nationwide received over $64 billion in EITC.

“During this period of economic uncertainty, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits make a meaningful difference in the lives of working families with children,” Irwin added. “The tax credits also help both low- and moderate-income families increase their income, maintain their housing, and invest in their children. Research has shown that the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit have additional long-term societal benefits, including increasing child-wellbeing, health, and future earnings.”