Tax Prep & Financial Education

Are you stressed about preparing your taxes? We understand. If you are a DC resident making under $58,000/yr., your tax prep can be stress-free: Our IRS-certified tax preparers will do them for you for free. And all DC residents can take our Financial Literacy workshops and get advice at our Financial Empowerment Center — always for free.

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FREE Tax Preparation

We take care of you with expert tax preparation (2025 dates to be announced) — see the FAQ below for details. UPO has the largest free tax prep program in Ward 8 and the 2nd largest in the city. Make your appointment: Call (202) 231-7903

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Your Financial Education

Empower yourself to make smart financial decisions for a stronger future! Over 500 of your DC neighbors have learned about Budgeting, Savings, and Credit in our interactive Financial Literacy workshops, held at UPO’s Petey Greene Community Service Center. Find out about the next session: Call Rebecca Webb at (202) 231-7944.

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Financial Empowerment Center

Your help is here! Talk with a Certified Financial Counselor one-on-one for free about your banking, saving, credit, debt, you name it — any of your financial issues. All DC residents can get financial counseling virtually and/or in person at our Petey Greene Community Service Center. Make your appointment: call (202) 682-6572 or email FEC@upo.org

1. Why Choose UPO

While most other preparers will charge you and take their fee out of your refund, our expert IRS-certified volunteers always help you for free because that’s part of UPO’s mission to Unite People with Opportunities.

UPO has an outstanding track record of helping families gain financial stability. One way is via thoughtful tax preparation, since that’s essential for you and your family.

“I am grateful to the UPO staff who prepared my taxes and gave me good advice. The refund changed my life because I was able to get a 3-bedroom apartment, keep up with my bills, and plan for the future.” – Annie Smith

Our program has an excellent 10-year reputation and was recognized by the IRS for being a model site.
UPO received a 2017 award from the IRS for our high refund production.
In 2016, our skillful team trained IRS executives on the Earned Income Tax Credit program.
Our longstanding partnership with Community Tax Aid ensures that our volunteers and staff are properly trained and supervised.
Our ONLY goal is to help you prepare your taxes to you can rise — we will never take your money!

2. What We Do for You

Last year alone, our experts prepared taxes for over 800 of your neighbors, creating $1.3 million in refunds to our community.

If you live in a DC household with earnings under $58,000/yr., our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers will:

Guide you through the tax-preparation process
Secure the best possible refund for you
Walk you through your Credit Report
Show you free or reduced-rate Banking Services with UPO’s Bank Partners
Offer you advisors from the DC Taxpayer Advocate’s office to help with tax problems – in person, only on Super Saturdays (2025 dates to be announced)
We can also refer you to our Financial Empowerment Center so you can choose the best ways to use your refund (build savings, start a business, prepare for retirement, etc.)

3. Location

4. What You Need to Bring

Valid Photo ID for you and spouse (if filing jointly)
ORIGINALS ONLY of Social Security Cards or ITIN letters for you, spouse (if filing jointly), and any dependents
W2s, 1099s, and any other income documents for you, your spouse (if filing jointly), and any dependents
Records of expenses (child care, student loans, medical, cash/check contributions to charity, etc.)
1095-A if you bought health insurance through an exchange (healthcare.gov, DC Healthlink, Maryland Health Connection)
1098-T if you paid college tuition or expenses
Copy of your 2023 tax return (we can no longer access records from previous years)
Account and routing number for direct deposit of your refund

My FEC financial counselor (Ms. Victoria Clayborne) and I set clear goals. I established credit for the first time, I transformed my habits (a game-changer), and I am confident in my ability to continue building a stable, prosperous future.

Kimothy James

Please reach out if you have questions

We want to help you take the next steps.

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