Free Tax Preparation
Truly Free
At DFATS, we’re all about empowering individuals toward financial freedom and understanding. Our mission? To provide expert tax assistance without charging a dime. Here’s why you should choose us:
- Free Income Tax Preparation: We offer both federal and state income tax preparation services at no cost. Our certified IRS volunteers are here to help you navigate the tax season hassle-free.
- Bilingual Support: Whether you prefer English or Spanish, our team is fluent in both languages. We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and understood.
- Financial Coaching: Beyond taxes, we’re passionate about financial literacy. Our experienced coaches provide guidance on managing money, debt reduction, and building emergency funds.
- Non-Profit Organization: DFATS operates as a 501©(3) non-profit, which means our focus is on helping—not profiting from—those who may be struggling financially.
Do I qualify?
Our organization partners with the IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program to offer free tax preparation. To qualify for the free service, you must meet any of the below criteria:
- Generally, earn $60,000 or less;
- Being a person with a disability;
- Be a non-English speaker;
- Have limited English speaking skills.
LOCATION
For now, we are not preparing taxes on site. Please call us if you have any questions.
Required documents
Identity verification (photo ID) of the taxpayer and spouse. This means that your ID has not expired. Both spouses must be present.
Social Security cards of the taxpayer, spouse and dependents. Photocopies are unacceptable. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for those who do not have a Social Security number. Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN.
Income Documents – Forms W-2, 1099-NEC, 1099-INT, 1099-MISC, SSA-1099, etc. Wage and Earning Statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from all employers and other payers Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). Copies of IRS and state income transcripts, if applicable. You can request your file from the IRS tools. A link is provided in our Helpful Tools section on this page. The IRS transcript does NOT contain state information. You will need to obtain it from the AZ Department of Revenue. You can obtain a copy of the application form on our downloads page.
Other Documents – If you have a rental property or a business that reports on Schedule C, bring income and expense documents with totals for the year.
Childcare expenses. To claim childcare expenses you need documentation. Total amount you paid for day care services and the taxpayer identification number, such as the care provider’s social security number or Employer Identification Number.
Banking Information – Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check. The taxpayer must have signing authority on the account. A deposit slip or debit card is not acceptable as it does not contain the required information.
Form 1095-A Health coverage – if you purchased health insurance on the Healthcare.gov marketplace.
Tax returns from the previous year. A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available. This is usually only necessary if you did not prepare your previous year returns with us.
To file taxes electronically on a married joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. We will not file your returns electronically until you are both present to sign
For virtual preparation, take a photo or scan of the documents mentioned above. Then upload them to the site. Also, upload a selfie with your valid photo ID. If married, both spouses must upload the selfie with a valid photo ID.
Valet Service
We offer valet service to everyone in our community.
- You come to the MLK Center, complete the intake/interview form;
- One of our volunteers scans your documents.
- Your return will be prepared off-site.
- We will contact you when your return is ready for pickup at the MLK Center.
- At that time, a volunteer will review the statement with you and you will sign it. (*NOTE: If you are married, both of you will have to come every time).
- Your return will be filed electronically.
