Nearly 1.7 Million Households Saved $340 Million In Tax Preparation Fees Thanks To MyFreeTaxes

ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Up until the final bell of the extended filing season, MyFreeTaxes — the nation's only free online tax preparation and filing initiative available to residents in all 50 states and the District of Columbia earning $58,000 or less last year — prepared and filed a record number of online and in-person federal and state tax returns. As a result, MyFreeTaxes helped nearly 1.7 million households save an estimated $340 million in tax preparation and filing fees.

Funded by the Walmart Foundation and operated in partnership with Goodwill Industries International, National Disability Institute and United Way, MyFreeTaxes is the only completely free online and in-person federal and state filing option available to eligible taxpayers in all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. MyFreeTaxes allows qualifying individuals and families to utilize IRS-certified preparers for in-person assistance or to self-file using a simple step-by-step process that includes free telephone, email, and online chat support from IRS-certified income tax preparers. 

This year, MyFreeTaxes helped millions of filers claim more than $622 million in tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit for individuals and families with moderate-to low-incomes. Since its creation in 2009, the initiative has helped millions of individuals and families claim more than $10 billion in tax credits and refunds.

"The work of the Walmart Foundation and MyFreeTaxes has helped nearly two million households keep hard-earned money in their pockets," said Julie Gehrki, senior director, Walmart Foundation. "Though the economy is showing signs of improvement, every dollar counts, especially for individuals with moderate-to low-incomes. We are pleased to work with MyFreeTaxes to save people money so they can live better."

Available in English and Spanish, MyFreeTaxes.com will continue to serve as an educational and interactive resource for questions regarding tax credits, free and low-cost tax filing assistance, personal finance and federal and state tax counseling thanks to the help of more than 800 community partners, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and state and local government agencies. Improved data reporting, customized business engagement tools, and an online partner collaboration website are forthcoming tools that will be available during the 2015 tax season.

MyFreeTaxes is committed to expanding access to and use of free tax preparation services to help qualified individuals and families build greater financial stability and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts that draw on the strengths of Walmart in the arenas of sustainability, economic opportunity, and community. As part of our commitment to creating a more sustainable food system worldwide, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States. They recently exceeded a $2 billion goal to fight hunger one year ahead of schedule and have donated more than 1.5 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.

About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with a presence in 14 other countries. Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,000 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com^®. Goodwill also builds revenue and creates jobs by contracting with businesses and government agencies to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2013, more than 9.8 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 83 percent of its revenues into its programs and services.

To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

About National Disability Institute
National Disability Institute (NDI) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better economic future for people with disabilities. The first national organization committed exclusively to championing economic empowerment, financial education, asset development and financial stability for all persons with disabilities, NDI affects change through public education, policy development, training, technical assistance and innovative initiatives. NDI and its Real Economic Impact (REI) Network have helped nearly 2 million people with disabilities receive more than $1.8 billion in tax refunds and credits. To learn more, visit www.realeconomicimpact.org. Engage with National Disability Institute on Facebook: RealEconImpact or follow NDI on Twitter: @RealEconImpact

About United Way
With more than 2.8 million volunteers and 9.7 million donors worldwide, and more than $5 billion raised every year, United Way is the world's largest privately-funded nonprofit. It is working in nearly 1,800 communities across 41 countries and territories to create community solutions that improve life for everyone. Across the world, United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, civic and faith organizations, as well as educators, labor, health organizations, government and more.  Visit www.unitedway.org for more information.

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SOURCE Goodwill Industries International

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