Free Tax Preparation | Nehemiah Gateway

Getting professional assistance with tax preparation can be costly, but for some Delawareans it’s possible to get their taxes prepared for free.

The Delaware Tax & Financial Services Campaign is a program that provides financial assistance to low-to-moderate-income families and individuals in the First State. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is a key component of this campaign. VITA is made possible through the hard work of trained volunteers who help with tax preparation and educating Delawareans on tax best practices. These volunteers are certified by the IRS and knowledgeable about various tax credits and deductions that people may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)* and the Child Tax Credit.

Interested in learning more about services, eligibility, or scheduling a tax prep appointment? Click below to get started.

Since 2000, our partners at Nehemiah Gateway have helped neighbors:

File more than 196,000 tax returns

Secure more than $300 million in tax refunds

Save over $41 million in tax prep fees

FAQs

When are services available?

Tax preparation services are available from January 23 – April 22, 2023. Appointments are available for both 100% virtual and in-person tax prep. Visit Nehemiah Gateway’s website for a complete list of drop-off locations around the state.

Who is eligible?

Tax preparation services are free for individuals and families whose household income is $57,000 or less.

Who provides the tax assistance?

Tax preparation services are available statewide and are managed by professional, experienced staff who ensure returns are prepared accurately and that taxpayers receive the maximum refund allowed by the IRS. The tax preparers are IRS-trained volunteers who can answer any questions and help identify other financial services and products offered through the organization or its partnering organizations.

How long does it take?

Returns are typically filed electronically within 24-48 hours, allowing for a prompt refund.

Are there volunteer opportunities?

Volunteering to help prepare taxes free of charge is a great way to make a difference in our community! If you are interested in joining our team of volunteers or would like more information, click below to get started.

*What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is credited for helping more children escape poverty than any other U.S. Federal Government program. The EITC is a federal tax credit that provides a lump sum cash refund to low and moderate-income individuals and families. It is designed to help eligible households pay bills and save for the future.

To be eligible for the EITC, you must be at least 25 years old and live in the US for more than half the year. Your earned income must also be less than $59,187, and you cannot be someone else’s dependent.The amount you receive from the EITC is based on your total and investment income, the number of children you have, and your marital status. This year, the highest amount taxpayers can receive from the EITC is $6,935.

To learn more about Nehemiah Gateway’s Free Tax Preparation Services, or to become a tax prep volunteer, please visit their website at nehemiahgateway.org/ or email them at info@nehemiahgateway.org.

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