Live United Logo United Way Logo
Trident United Way
Give
Advocate
Volunteer

Welcome to Trident United Way


Trident United Way works to strengthen our community by focusing on education, income and health.

These are the building blocks of a good life -- a quality education that leads to a stable job,
enough income to support a family and good health.

By giving, advocating and volunteering, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity for a good life.
That's how we LIVE UNITED.

Trident United Way maintains its unwavering commitment to measurable results in the programs we fund.
 That’s been our promise to donors for more than a decade.

 

Free Tax Preparation


Free tax preparation is complete for the 2009 tax year. More than 2,600 people received free tax help this year, a 31% increase over the previous year. In all, TUW and its partners helped Lowcountry residents receive $3 million last tax season.


The Volunteers Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to low - and moderate-income Tax Prep (generally, $48,000 and below) people who need someone to prepare their taxes. VITA also provides financial counseling to help you put your tax return to good use.

Certified volunteers will prepare your taxes at no charge and most locations also offer free electronic filing. Many filers find that they are eligible for an Earned Income Tax Credit, which provides even more money in your tax return.


What you don't know can cost you!

An important tip to know if you use a paid tax preparer is to avoid "rapid refund loans". Rapid refund loans have very high interest rates and you can end up paying a lot of money for very little benefit.

When your income tax return is electronically filed and directly deposited into a checking or savings account, you receive your refund in 7 - 10 days. So, why pay someone hundreds of dollars to give you your own money just a few days earlier?


What do I need for free tax help?

VITA sites opened in mid-January and closed on April 15 at locations throughout Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties.

Until tax time, below are some important pointers on what to keep and record throughout the year and bring when having your taxes prepared:

  • Social Security Card for each family member you will claim
  • W-2 or 1099 form for each job you worked
  • End of year statements for other income you received in 2009 such as bank interest, social security, unemployment, etc.
  • End of year 401(k) statement
  • Child care provider name, address and tax ID number
  • Records of expenses for tax credits and deduction, like child care, education, medical costs, etc.
  • A copy of last year's tax return, if you have it

For more information, call Trident Urban League at 965-4037

To volunteer to help others prepare their taxes, click here.