United Way of the Mid-South's Free Tax Prep Response to COVID-19

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March 23, 2020
United Way of the Mid-South to Offer Alternative Free Tax Prep Services
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, services will consolidate into a low-risk Drive-Thru Drop-Off service.
 
MEMPHIS, TNIn consideration of the health and well-being of tax preparers, volunteers and tax filers seeking help with their tax returns, United Way of the Mid-South is minimizing face-to-face tax preparation, effective March 18, 2020. Despite needing to close its regular sites, United Way is announcing an unprecedented innovation in how it provides this program, in order to continue meeting the extraordinary demand for these IRS-certified tax services. Over 6,000 filers have already used United Way’s Free Tax Program, anticipating over $11 Million in refunds. 
 
For the first time, Free Tax Prep will implement a creative, low-risk alternative - a Drive-Thru Drop-Off solution.
 
Beginning March 24, 2020, individuals and families who qualify for Free Tax Prep - with incomes less than $56,000 in 2019 - can file their taxes using the Drive-Thru Drop-Off operation at the United Way Plaza, located at 1005 Tillman Street. There will be volunteers to direct traffic through the process.
 
Filers will still need to bring the proper documentation and identification as generally required.  Please call 2-1-1 for a full list of required documents and additional information.  No appointments will be needed or taken for this service. 
 
Any person who meets the eligibility requirements can drop off their tax documents Monday – Friday, between 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
 
“As we all are learning to adapt in this new time of social distancing,” said Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, President & CEO of United Way of the Mid-South,”I am delighted that this creative approach will both ensure that we are helping to decrease the community spread of COVID-19, while also continuing to meet the needs of thousands of our neighbors. We know that during the difficult days ahead, access to these significant refunds – and any other resources that may be made available to families impacted by COVID-19 – will truly help low to moderate income families keep moving “from where they are to where they dream to be.”
 
 
About United Way of the Mid-South
For over 95 years, United Way of the Mid-South has brought the time, talents and treasures of citizens together so individuals and families in need can enjoy a better quality of life. We do this by being the leading catalyst in stimulating support and services for individuals and families as they progress from poverty to prosperity. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, United Way serves an eight-county region which includes Shelby, Fayette, Tipton and Lauderdale counties in Tennessee; Desoto, Tate and Tunica counties in Mississippi; and Crittenden county in Arkansas. The mission of United Way is to improve the quality of life for Mid-Southerners by mobilizing and aligning community resources to address priority issues.  We strive to advance people from where they are to where they dream to be by providing access to a better quality of life for all Mid-Southerners.  To learn more, please visit www.uwmidsouth.org.
 
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Contact:
Laura Russell, Director, Communications and Marketing
laura.russell@uwmidsouth.org, (901) 581-7105