For North Texas families who are living paycheck to paycheck, tax season is especially stressful. Filing taxes can be confusing and expensive, and sometimes it feels like the system is stacked against individual workers. But luckily there’s a growing movement to make filing tax returns easier and more affordable—or even free. 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we lead and invest in a variety of initiatives that enable more North Texans to achieve financial stability. We offer free tax preparation to ensure our neighbors save money when filing their taxes and receive all eligible credits and refunds. We also advocate for governmental programs that reduce the cost and complexity of the tax filing process. 

These money-saving initiatives directly support our mission to improve access to education, income and health—the building blocks of opportunity. Because when individuals and families can hold on to more of their money, they benefit in every area of their life. 

Read on to learn more about United Way’s free tax programs. 

United Way Offers Free Tax Services 

Taxes are due on Wednesday, April 15, and we encourage every eligible North Texan to take advantage of our free tax prep services to file their returns.  

Each year, thousands of our neighbors use our free tax prep services to file their returns. With the help of volunteer tax experts who are IRS certified, the average filer saves around $350 in tax preparation and filing fees, plus gets an average refund of $1,700 by claiming all their eligible tax credits and refunds. As a result, these programs bring millions of dollars in refunds back into our community every year. 

During our 2024-2025 fiscal year, 19,151 North Texans filed their taxes through our free services and received a total of $15.2 million in refunds. This incredible impact was made possible by 231 dedicated volunteers. 

“Tax time is an important financial moment, but unfortunately many families miss the opportunity for a refund because they don’t realize all of the tax credits that they are entitled to, or they make a mistake when they file,” said Greg Mangum, vice president of economic mobility at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “We encourage all eligible North Texans to use our Free Tax Programs so they receive all their eligible tax credits and refunds—because when families can hold onto more of what they earn, they’re in a better position to achieve financial stability.” 

File Your Taxes for Free 

Looking for a free tax service that will fit your needs? Explore your options below: 

In-person, drive-through or drop-off tax prep assistance 

Dallas Community Tax Centers: Free tax preparation services to individuals earning under $69,000 per year and to households of two to four people earning under $85,000 per year. The income limit increases by $5,000 for each additional household member. No appointment is required.  All you have to do is bring your necessary documents. For updated information, service locations or to sign up for text alerts, visit www.dallastaxcenters.org or text TAXCENTERS to 833-939-1387. 

Collin County Tax Assistance: Free tax prep operated by Catholic Charities Dallas. Services are available at four locations in Plano and McKinney through April 15. All sites are open by appointment only. For more information and to schedule appointments, visit the Catholic Charities Dallas webpage and click on “Book Appointment” to select a location, day and time. 

Additional local tax prep services: 

• AARP: 83 locations across the DFW area. Visit AARP’s tax website to get started. 

• International Rescue Committee: In person and virtual appointments available. Contact Donna Robbins at 214-420-0248 or via email Donna.Robbins@rescue.org. Visit IRC’s website for more information. 

• Sharing Life Community Outreach: For appointments or details, call 972-430-8732 or email sofia@sharing.life. Visit their website for more information. 

Online tax prep help 

MyFreeTaxes is an online tax filing program that enables people to file their federal and state taxes for free while getting the assistance they need. United Way provides MyFreeTaxes in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help filers prepare their tax returns on their own or have their return prepared for them for free.  

The benefits of MyFreeTaxes include: 

• Free federal and state returns 

• Available to everyone—no restrictive eligibility requirements (No geography or age limits) 

• Mobile friendly 

• Available in English and Spanish 

• Staffed by IRS-trained specialists

Who’s eligible? Households with an income at or below $79,000 can access fully online, self-directed tax prep services that are not subject to fees or paid add-ons. Visit www.MyFreeTaxes.com. Services are available in English and Spanish. 

Learn more about both of these services, including what you’ll need to bring with you, on our Free Tax Prep resources page. 

Support Financial Stability in North Texas 

At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we believe every North Texan should have the opportunity and access to achieve financial stability. Together, we can ensure North Texans can get and keep better jobs, establish savings and hold on to more of what they earn. 

Ready to start making a difference right here at home? Here are three ways to improve financial stability in our community: 

• Invest in United Way of Metropolitan Dallas to support our income-related programs. 

• Sign up for Advocacy Alerts. We’ll let you know when and how to contact your elected representatives to advocate for policies related to financial stability. 

• Volunteer with our partner Community Tax Centers to provide free tax prep support to North Texans.