Low Income Tax Prep

For over 40 years, Seattle University accounting students have been providing the local community with free tax preparation service, a joint venture between Seattle University accounting students, United Way of King County, and the Internal Revenue Service.

  1. Albers School of Business & Economics
  2. Student Life
  3. Low Income Tax Prep
A Seattle bus on the highway with a backdrop of Seattle buildings

Need Help with Taxes?

The Seattle University/United Way of King County Low Income Tax Prep Program for the 2023 tax season has started! Students and United Way volunteers in this program prepare tax returns for the public free of charge.

Seattle University’s Low Income Tax Prep program, offered through the Albers School of Business and Economics, exemplifies the university’s commitment to experiential learning and community service. For over four decades, this initiative has enabled accounting students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations by preparing tax returns for the public at no cost. This collaboration with United Way of King County and the Internal Revenue Service not only aids taxpayers in navigating the complexities of tax filing but also provides students with invaluable hands-on experience. The program underscores the university’s ethos of fostering student growth through practical engagement while simultaneously contributing to the well-being of the local community.

Former SU Accounting Professor John Harding established VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) in 1975, when the Internal Revenue Service asked for volunteers to help the public work through the complexities of tax returns.

When & Where

Where?

Seattle Public Library, Central Branch
1000 4th Ave. Seattle WA 98104

When?

Wednesday or Thursdays 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturdays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

When does it start?

Saturday, January 20, 2024

When does it end?

Saturday, April 14, 2024

What should I bring?

  1. W-2s or other end-of-year wage statements that you or your spouse received from ALL your employers.
  2. Picture ID.
  3. Social Security card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for every person in your household that you support.
  4. Birthdates for every person to be claimed on your return.
  5. Any 1099 forms (for income from interest, dividends, retirement, Social Security or unemployment).
  6. Name, address and social security number or tax ID number for your childcare provider, and your co-pay statement for day care for the year 2023.
  7. Records of payments for educational expenses, such as college tuition.
  8. Mortgage interest statement and property tax statement if you own a home.
  9. Checking and savings account numbers for direct deposit.
  10. A copy of last year's tax return if you have it.
  11. Anything else that you think may affect your return, even if you are not sure.
  12. If filing jointly, both filer and spouse must be present to sign.

Is there a fee?

No. This is a free service for households making less than $80,000.

Can I make an appointment?

You don't need an appointment, but many sites get very crowded, especially during January and April. Customers should arrive as close to the site's opening time as possible for the best chance of getting served. Customers who arrive later may not be able to see a volunteer.

Electronic Filing?

Yes

Types of Returns we cannot prepare:

Sorry, no business taxes, rental income, or sale of property or stock.

For more information, contact United Way of King County, 206-461-3700