Residents earning $89,000 or less may qualify for free filing tools, workshops, and one-on-one assistance through Extension Service and community partners

Hillsborough County, Fla. (March 19, 2026) - As tax season continues, Hillsborough County residents have access to free tools and expert guidance to help them file their taxes accurately and claim valuable refunds and credits.

Through Hillsborough County Extension Service and United Way Suncoast, residents can take advantage of free tax preparation software, financial education classes, and virtual workshops. The federal tax filing deadline for most taxpayers is Wednesday, April 15.

Free Tax Filing Software Available for Eligible Residents

Eligible residents can file their taxes through United Way's MyFreeTaxes initiative at no cost online. To qualify, residents must have an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less. To date, the program has helped more than 1.5 million people nationwide file returns and save millions in tax preparation fees.

How to File Your Taxes

  • Gather Necessary Documents: Collect W-2 forms, 1099 forms, unemployment income statements, government-issued IDs, Social Security numbers, as well as bank account and routing information. Other documents you may need include mortgage interest statements, childcare expenses, charitable donations, health insurance forms, student loan interest documents, and tuition payments.
  • Choose Filing Platform: There are three main options to file your taxes. Free online tax software is good for most people with straightforward returns. Paid tax software can be helpful if you have investments, multiple income streams, or a small business. For complicated returns, a tax professional or CPA is best.
  • Complete Tax Information: Enter personal information, filing status, and dependents. Report all income sources such as W-2 wages, 1099 freelance income, investment earnings, and unemployment benefits. Claim available deductions and credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Child and Dependent Care Credit.
  • Ensure Accurate Return: Before submitting, carefully check names, Social Security numbers, income totals, and bank account information for direct deposit. Filing electronically is the fastest and safest option, and most refunds are issued within about 21 days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In 2024, nearly 18 million e-filed individual tax returns were rejected because of simple data errors like mismatched Social Security numbers, misspelled names, or duplicate filings. Also every year, millions of taxpayers miss out on eligible tax credits simply because they do not claim them during the filing process. Here are some of the most common mistakes taxpayers make and how to avoid them:

  • Missing or Incorrect Information: Incorrect Social Security numbers or bank account details are among the most common reasons tax returns are rejected or refunds are delayed.
  • Failing to Report Income: The IRS receives copies of W-2 and 1099 forms, so leaving out income from side jobs, freelance work, or investments can trigger notices or delays.
  • Not Claiming Eligible Tax Credits: Many taxpayers qualify for refunds or credits they may not realize they are eligible for. Common credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, and other education tax credits.

Library Resources to Help with Tax Preparation

Hillsborough County libraries also provide helpful resources during tax season. Residents can visit library branches to use free computers and internet access to complete online tax returns, print tax forms and supporting documents, access financial education resources, and receive hands-on help navigating the filing process. For a full list of upcoming financial literacy workshops and classes, visit the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative's Calendar of Events.