File Your Taxes for Free with UWBA (Federal + California)

Q: Who qualifies for free tax filing through UWBA?

You qualify if your household income is under $89,000 and you are filing a 2024 federal or California state tax return. This service is available to most Bay Area residents, including people with W-2, 1099, self-employment, gig, or investment income.

Q: Can I file California state taxes for free?

Yes. California state filing is included at no cost when you use the UWBA TaxSlayer link. This is a major benefit, since many tax software companies charge extra for state returns.

Q: Can self-employed or gig workers use this?

Yes. Self-employed filers, freelancers, and gig workers are welcome. This platform supports business income, expenses, and deductions, and UWBA can provide help if questions come up.

Q: Can international students or non-resident filers use this?

Yes. This option supports 1040NR returns, including international students and non-resident filers, if income limits are met.

Q: Do I Have to Prepare My Taxes Alone?

No. While this is a self-prep option, help is available through Zoom if you get stuck. You stay in control, but you are not on your own.

Q: Is My Information Secure?

Yes. TaxSlayer is a secure, IRS-approved tax preparation platform that uses encryption and industry-standard security practices. UWBA does not sell your personal information, and your data is used only to help you complete your return. UWBA does not keep records of your tax information.

Q: How Long Does It Take to File?

Most people can complete their return in about 60–90 minutes, depending on income type and complexity. Having your tax documents ready (W-2s, 1099s, last year’s return) can speed things up.

Q: What Documents Do I Need Before I Start?

You’ll typically need Social Security numbers or ITINs, last year’s tax return (if available), income documents (W-2, 1099, etc.), bank account details for direct deposit, and health insurance forms (if applicable).

Free, Secure, IRS-Approved Tax Filing. No Hidden Fees.

United Way Bay area offers free online tax filing for eligible residents through our partnership with TaxSlayer, a secure IRS-approved tool. If your household income is under $89,000, you can file both your federal and California state tax returns at no cost and keep more of your refund. This option is ideal if you’re comfortable preparing your own return but want a free, reliable tool and access to help from UWBA staff if you get stuck
Ready? Get Started.

How to File Your Taxes for Free

No upsells. No surprise fees. No credit card.

Submit the form below to get your secure TaxSlayer access link
Prepare your tax return online (federal and California included)
Get Zoom or chat support if you have questions
E-file securely and receive your refund faster

Need Help While Filing? We’ve Got You.

You don’t have to do this alone. When you sign-up to access TaxSlayer below just let us know that you’d like help through Zoom with our trained staff.

Get Access to TaxSlayer for Free

It only takes a minute!

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Tax Filing

Is TaxSlayer really free through UWBA?

Yes. When TaxSlayer is accessed through United Way Bay Area, you can file both your federal and California state tax returns for free if you meet the income requirements.

No hidden fees, no upsells, and no credit card required.

Who qualifies for free tax filing through UWBA?

You qualify if your household income is under $89,000 and you are filing a 2024 federal or California state tax return. This service is available to most Bay Area residents, including people with W-2, 1099, self-employment, gig, or investment income.

Can I file California state taxes for free?

Yes. California state filing is included at no cost when you use the UWBA TaxSlayer link. This is a major benefit, since many tax software companies charge extra for state returns.

What types of income does this support?

TaxSlayer through UWBA supports most income types, including:

W-2 wages
Freelance or self-employment (1099)
Gig work
Stock sales or investments
Retirement income
Rental income
Cryptocurrency transaction

Can self-employed or gig workers use this?

Yes. Self-employed filers, freelancers, and gig workers are welcome. This platform supports business income, expenses, and deductions, and UWBA can provide help if questions come up.

Can international students or non-resident filers use this?

Yes. This option supports 1040NR returns, including international students and non-resident filers, if income limits are met.

Do I Have to Prepare My Taxes Alone?

No. While this is a self-prep option, help is available through Zoom if you get stuck. You stay in control, but you are not on your own.

Is My Information Secure?

Yes. TaxSlayer is a secure, IRS-approved tax preparation platform that uses encryption and industry-standard security practices.

UWBA does not sell your personal information, and your data is used only to help you complete your return. UWBA does not keep records of your tax information.

How Long Does It Take to File?

Most people can complete their return in about 60-90 minutes, depending on income type and complexity. Having your tax documents ready (W-2s, 1099s, last year’s return) can speed things up.

What Documents Do I Need Before I Start?

You’ll typically need:

Social Security numbers or ITINs
Last year’s tax return (if available)
Income documents (W-2, 1099, etc.)
Bank account details for direct deposit
Health insurance forms (if applicable)

Will This Affect My Refund Amount?

No. Using UWBA and TaxSlayer does not reduce your refund. In fact, our goal is to help you claim every credit you’re eligible for, including:

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Child Tax Credit
California Young Child Tax Credit

You keep 100% of your refund.

How Do I Get Access to the TaxSlayer Link?

To prevent abuse and keep this service free, you must submit the form on this page.

Once submitted, you’ll receive your secure access link to begin filing.

It only takes about a minute.

What If I Start and Get Stuck?

That’s okay! Many people do.

You can:

Pause and return later
Contact UWBA for help
Schedule Zoom support

Our goal is to make sure you feel confident and supported.