SPOKANE, Wash.-- Don't pay to file your taxes because you can have them done for free!
Spokane County United Way collaborates with local university accounting students to provide free tax preparation services.
Volunteers at United Way Spokane make taxes a little less daunting.
Last year, volunteers helped more than 4,732 local residents claim over $1.7 million in earned income tax credits. This brought $4,900,000 in refunds into the local economy.
The free tax service is a partnership with Spokane County United Way, AARP Foundation, Avista Utilities, Washington Trust Bank and local academic institutions. Most volunteers for this program come from Gonzaga, Whitworth, and Eastern Washington University.
All volunteers are IRS certified and returns are reviewed by another volunteer before submission.
"Just seeing people that are happy with their results because of my education is so fulfilling for me," said Whitworth student, Tsegii.
Tsegii has volunteered more than 50 hours to help people file their taxes. She said the variety of taxes she sees is a valuable learning experience, one she doesn't get in the classroom .
If you would like to volunteer as a tax preparer, visit www.volunteerspokane.org or call (509)324-5030.