Free Tax Preparation

Empowering Neighbors, in partnership with United Way of Richmond of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, will offer free IRS income tax preparation for individuals and families in our community.

Households earning $64,000 and less annually will be eligible for income tax preparation services. We begin taking appointments in February 2024. Please click here to sign-up. Tax preparation services will be provided at Shiloh Baptist Church (106 South James Street) on Thursdays from 4:30 - 8 pm and Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm.

Tax preparation is the first initiative undertaken by Empowering Neighbors because it brings together the expertise of current volunteers to provide a service to the community. Tax preparation is both intimidating and complicated for most people. Yet, it is a requirement to receive other government services and assistance. By helping individuals overcome this barrier, we hope to increase their agency to reach their own goals.

The project will also help to connect more volunteers. All participants will be asked if they wish to volunteer skills within our community. If so, Empowering Neighbors will connect like-minded neighbors.

By offering free, confidential tax preparation, Empowering Neighbors endeavors both to provide service and to connect volunteers within our community.

Tax Preparation Checklist:

1. Personal Information (Bring ALL Documents)

   • Valid Picture ID

   • Taxpayer Identification Number: Social Security Card, Social Security number verification letter, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

2. Proof of Income (Bring ALL Documents That Apply)

   • W-2s for all jobs last year

   • 1099s for any other income received last year (1099-R, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-K, Social Security SSA-1099, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B)

   • Statements for prizes, scholarships/fellowships, or lottery/gambling winnings

3. Proof of Health Insurance (Bring ALL Documents That Apply)

   • 1095-A if you had health coverage through healthcare.gov

4. Additional Items (Bring ALL Documents That Apply)

   • Checking/Savings account information to have your refund directly deposited into your account

   • Child Care Expenses: Provider's address and Federal Tax ID #

   • Homeowners: Mortgage statement 1098 and property tax bills

   • Education: College tuition (1098-T) and loan interest statements (1098-E)

   • Alimony: Amounts paid or received

   • Notices: Bring any notice (IRS, state tax, health insurance or anything that says “Important Tax Document”)