United Way Suncoast Opens Free Tax Appointments Jan. 26, Announces All-Day Tax-A-Thon In St. Petersburg
Free service open to households earning $96,000 or less annually
United Way Suncoast will begin offering free tax preparation appointments on January 26, helping eligible households keep more of what they earn and access the refunds and credits they qualify for through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Scheduling is underway now and appointments can be made by visiting UWSVITA.org.
Households earning $96,000 or less annually can benefit from VITA’s free, high-quality tax preparation services, ensuring they receive the refunds and credits they deserve without incurring costly preparation fees. Unlike paid tax services, which charge an average of $240, VITA offers reliable, professional assistance at no cost to the taxpayer.
Supported by United Way Suncoast, the Internal Revenue Service and community partners, VITA connects taxpayers with IRS-certified volunteers who help file accurate returns, choose direct deposit, and access credits they may be eligible for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
To expand access to residents who cannot visit a tax site during the workweek, United Way Suncoast will host its annual VITA Tax-A-Thon on Friday, Feb. 28, 2026, at St. Petersburg’s Enoch C. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S. The event will offer nine continuous hours of tax preparation, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is open to taxpayers within United Way Suncoast’s five-county region of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
Similar free tax services are available for Pasco County residents through United Way of Pasco. Polk, Highlands and Hardee County residents can access VITA services United Way of Central Florida. However, the qualifying threshold for those counties is different.
Last tax season, United Way Suncoast prepared more than 9,600 tax returns, helping taxpayers claim $9.4 million in refunds, including $4.96 million in Earned Income and Child Tax Credits.
Additional Support for Tax Filers
United Way Suncoast also provides additional resources beyond tax preparation to help filers strengthen their financial stability. These services include assistance with opening a bank account, financial coaching,legal support for tax-related issues, and guidance in securing an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
United Way Suncoast also offers self-preparation options for individuals with straightforward tax returns who are comfortable using online tools. This flexible service allows users to complete their returns at their convenience.
Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled at UWSVITA.org or call 833-897-8482.
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast mobilizes communities to action for all. We give families and community members across our five-county footprint the “Freedom To Rise.” Founded in 1924, we enter our second century of service with a decided focus on uniting the region to generate support for hard-working families that stand one unexpected expense away from dire circumstance. We elevate early learning, energize middle school and high school youths and empower community members through financial security. We proudly serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties by investing in services and programs that help people create the lives they imagine for themselves. We enhance the community by addressing emerging needs such as natural disasters, and we expand the capacity of our nonprofits to help our impact ripple through the region. Along the way, we lead, convene and collaborate with corporate supporters, individual donors, nonprofit partners and valued volunteers because we know – United We Rise, United We Win.