BETTENDORF, IOWA (January 13, 2020) — Tax season is just beginning, but appointments are expected to fill up quickly for United Way’s free income tax preparation service for low- to middle-income filers in the Iowa and Illinois Quad Cities.

“The challenges of the past year led to more low- and middle-income families seeking help — and we expect that trend to continue with our free volunteer tax-filing service,” said Rene Gellerman, United Way president and CEO.

Individual filers and families who, in the past year, earned up to $57,000 are encouraged to schedule an appointment for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program by calling 563-355-9900 or dialing 2-1-1. Tax-preparation services are available between Jan. 26 and April 15 for residents of Rock Island and Scott counties.

“VITA serves a critical role in returning money to our local economy and helping to stabilize families and individuals who need it most,” Gellerman said.

“This is a program where, for over a decade, skilled and dedicated volunteers continue to find a need where they can make a direct positive impact on the lives of their neighbors — ensuring filers receive every dollar owed to them through tax credits.”

In the past two years VITA has saved Quad Citizens more than $1.7 million in preparation fees and netted an average tax return of $1,500 to each family to receive services. In that same time span, volunteers completed nearly 10,000 free tax returns and helped return over $9 million to Quad-Cities families.

“This service plays an important part of our efforts to help Quad Citizens, regardless of race or ZIP code, have the opportunity and access to achieve their full potential,” Gellerman said.

Drop-off Services and Changes for 2021

In addition to providing IRS-certified and trained volunteers to help Quad Citizens file their taxes safely and securely, United Way will offer drop-off tax preparation by appointment at VITA tax preparation sites. Filers will have the option to schedule a time to check in and drop off tax documents and allow a trained volunteer to prepare their taxes. All personal documents will be secured, and the filer will be required to review and sign final paperwork onsite to complete the filing process and collect their forms.

Masks will be required at all VITA locations, and COVID-19 health and safety precautions will be taken to prevent the spread of illness.

Appointments are required for all preparation sites.

In Scott County (Iowa):

  • Friendly House, 1221 Myrtle St, Davenport

In Rock Island County (Illinois):

  • Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline
  • Palomares Social Justice Center, 133 4th Ave., Moline
  • Martin Luther King Jr Center, 630 Martin Luther King Drive, Rock Island
  • Rock Island County Senior Center, 2221 11th St, Rock Island
  • Rock Island Township Hall, 2827 7th Ave., Rock Island

In Henry County (Illinois)

  • Geneseo Public Library, 805 North Chicago St, Geneseo (Call 309-944-6452 to schedule at this location.)

Filers should bring the following items:

  • Valid driver’s license or photo ID
  • Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for all members in your family
  • All W-2 forms
  • Prior year tax return
  • All 1099 forms (if applicable)
  • Account numbers for electronic deposit of refund
  • Health-insurance documentation
  • If filing jointly, your spouse must be present

For more information about VITA and location hours, visit www.unitedwayqc.org/vita or call 563-355-9900 or 2-1-1.

The Quad Cities VITA Coalition is led by United Way Quad Cities, in collaboration with AARP of Western Illinois and AARP of Eastern Iowa.

About United Way Quad Cities

United Way is a community-based social change organization that puts opportunity in the hands of all Quad Citizens. Working with our determined partners, volunteers, advocates, and donors, we lead the charge to improve education, income, and health — the building blocks of opportunity. The result is a mobilized community where every Quad Citizen is living their best possible life. unitedwayqc.org.

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