For Immediate Release- January 23, 2026
Contact: Jessica Arneson, Community Engagement Coordinator, 715-421-0390
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – Today, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties announced the launch of United Way’s free tax filing through My Free Taxes® for the new tax season.
My Free Taxes lets U.S. tax filers who earned less than $89K last year file their federal and state taxes online – for free. Since 2009, My Free Taxes has helped people across America file more than 1.5M returns, save $318M in tax prep fees, and receive over $2.1B in refunds.
“Taxes can be a source of confusion and stress for all of us,” said Tari Jahns, CEO. “With My Free Taxes, people have an easy, free option that will get them all their tax credits and deductions – with tax guides and IRS-trained phone support.”
Most filers complete their taxes in under one hour. You can file your taxes from your phone, tablet, or computer. The platform guides you through the process to guarantee you get your maximum refund. Visit uwswac.org/myfreetaxes to learn more.
Through April 15, 2026, filers who need help can call 1-866-698-9435 daily, from 9 am - 7 pm CST. From April 21 through Oct. 15, that support will be available Monday through Friday from 9 am - 5 pm CST. The Help Line — in English and Spanish — is supported by 211 call specialists, trained by the IRS. (211 is the 24/7 go-to resource that connects people to locally available help. It’s supported by United Way and available in 99% of the U.S.)
My Free Taxes can reduce tax stress for south Wood and Adams Counties filers. “Its filing software uses best-in-class standards to safeguard taxpayer information and is always up to date with the latest tax law changes,” Jahns said. “That guarantees that tax returns are accurate, and that you get your maximum refund.” The program screens for credit and deduction eligibility, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
Tax situations covered for free in My Free Taxes include:
• W-2 income
• Schedule C Self Employment
• Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV student
• Education expenses, credits, or student loan interest
• Unemployment income
• Claiming the standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child tax credits
• Free access to a student debt management tool that will help employees easily lower payments or find loan forgiveness.
United Way provides My Free Taxes in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help qualified filers prepare their tax returns online.
My Free Taxes is part of United Way’s efforts to help everyone in every community build financial security. South Wood and Adams Counties residents can also contact United Way South Wood & Adams Counties at 715-421-0390 or www.uwswac.org to find additional resources, or to find ways to volunteer in the community.