Tax Day is April 15 — have you filed your taxes yet? 

Signal Akron compiled a list of local organizations offering free tax preparation services for Akron and Summit County residents, including options for low-income families and taxpayers who may need an interpreter during the filing process.

New this year, Akron has launched a new e-file system for city taxpayers. Residents can even request that the city complete their tax return for them. 

Where can I get assistance filing my taxes?

United Way of Summit & Medina 

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, certified tax preparers fill out taxes free of charge for households with an income of less than $67,000. 

In-person and drop-off appointments are available at the Financial Empowerment Center at 1060 Kenmore Blvd. After completing an intake form, an assigned tax preparer will fill out the paperwork and then submit it to you to review and sign. 

Drop-off appointments allow clients to leave their documentation with a tax preparer and return to sign within five days.

For households that make less than $84,000 a year, there is also an option to self-file taxes. Those interested can email vita@uwsummitmedina.org for access to no-cost online tax software.

Tax assistance at Akron-Summit County library branches 

  • Kenmore Branch Library: Appointments are available March 8 and March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 330-745-6126 to schedule. 
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) VITA tax prep at North Hill Branch Library: Interpreters will be available for tax assistance appointments March 17 from 2 to 8 p.m. Registration is required.

Community Action Akron Summit

The Akron Summit Earned Income Tax Credit Commission offers free tax preparation for eligible low-income families. Appointments can be made online or by calling 234-206-3170. 

What materials do I need to file my taxes? 

  • Driver’s license or state ID. 
  • Social Security card and the Social Security cards for all dependents.
  • Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, Social Security benefit statements or any other relevant documents).
  • Any applicable expense documentation.
  • Copies of the previous year’s federal and state tax returns (if available).
  • Bank account and routing numbers or a blank or voided check.
  • Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN) for the current year, if one has been issued.
  • An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents tax-related identity theft. Signing up for an IP PIN is voluntary.  

Assistance for self-filing

For taxpayers filing their taxes at home, United Way of Summit & Medina is available to answer tax questions. Those interested can email vita@uwsummitmedina.org or call 211 to schedule an “Ask a Tax Question” call with a tax expert. 

What if I need to file taxes for previous years? 

Although tax season ends April 15, United Way of Summit & Medina offers financial counseling throughout the year and can help clients file back taxes. The Financial Empowerment Center can also assist with planning payment of owed taxes.

Community & service reporter (they/them)
Reegan Davis Saunders is Signal Akron’s community & service reporter. Reegan studied journalism and art at Kent State University, and they are passionate about the intersection of the two disciplines.

Although Reegan grew up in metro Detroit, they have always been an Ohio State Buckeyes fan. After living in Kent the past few years, they are excited to explore more of Akron, especially the coffee shops.

At Signal Akron, Reegan hopes to serve underrepresented communities by creating more accessible content.