Providence, R.I. (March 16, 2026) – With the April 15 tax filing deadline quickly approaching, United Way of Rhode Island is reminding eligible residents there is still time to have their federal and state tax returns prepared and filed for free.
The free tax preparation is available through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which is led by United Way of RI and offered at more than 20 community partner sites across the state. Households that earned $69,000 or less in 2025 may be eligible to have their tax returns prepared and filed at no cost.
Rhode Islanders with questions about VITA, their eligibility, locations, or scheduling an appointment should call 211. More than half of VITA sites offer services in both English and Spanish, and returns are filed electronically.
Through VITA, IRS-certified volunteers prepare federal and state income tax returns for working individuals and families for free. The program helps ensure taxpayers receive the refunds and credits they’ve earned, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which can reduce tax burden and increase refunds. Eligibility is based on income and household size.
VITA is especially important this year as taxpayers navigate IRS changes taking effect in 2026, including no longer issuing paper check refunds. The change requires taxpayers to have a bank account or another secure electronic option when they file. There are many Rhode Island households that are unbanked, and taxpayers who do not plan ahead could experience delays receiving their refund. VITA sites can help local taxpayers with these changes.
Last year, VITA prepared more than 22,000 federal and state tax returns in Rhode Island, helping working households receive $24 million in earned refunds and tax credits while saving on tax preparation and filing fees. VITA in Rhode Island is supported by partners Centreville Bank, Webster Bank, the IRS, and by the community’s generosity to United Way’s Community Impact Fund.
###