Stability Benefits the Whole Community
Financial security is about more than surviving one emergency
A stable household can pay regular expenses, manage an unexpected cost, keep transportation running, maintain housing, access health care, support children, and plan for the future. UWCT brings organizations, volunteers, employers, donors, and community resources together to help people keep more of what they earn and address the conditions that make financial progress difficult.
Facing an Immediate Financial Need?
Start with 2-1-1 Texas
Trained specialists can help identify available programs involving rent, utilities, food, transportation, child care, health care, benefits, employment, disaster recovery, and other essential needs.
CALL 2-1-1 LEARN ABOUT 2-1-1UWCT Financial Stability Strategies
Practical help today and stronger systems for tomorrow
KEEP MORE OF WHAT YOU EARN
Free Tax Preparation
IRS-certified VITA volunteers prepare eligible basic tax returns without charging preparation fees, helping households receive applicable refunds and credits.
UNDERSTAND THE COST OF LIVING
ALICE Research
ALICE data helps communities understand working households whose incomes are above the federal poverty level but still below the cost of basic necessities.
CONNECT TO AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Resource Navigation
2-1-1 and local partner organizations can help residents explore programs that may reduce immediate household pressure and protect stability.
BUILD LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY
Community Partnerships
UWCT convenes and supports organizations working in employment, housing, education, health, food access, family stability, and other areas tied to financial well-being.
| ! |
UWCT's regular 2026 VITA filing season has ended UWCT currently directs people still needing 2025 tax-return assistance to First Heroes National Bank, which is listed as continuing tax services through October 15, 2026. Call 254-532-1026 to ask about an appointment. |
Free Online Tax Filing
MyFreeTaxes by United Way
MyFreeTaxes currently offers a self-filing option for households earning under $89,000 and an online or in-person VITA-prepared option for eligible filers earning under $69,000.
The two options cover different tax situations and filing years. Review the current eligibility and supported-return information before beginning.
VISIT MYFREETAXESVolunteer With VITA
Help families keep more of what they earn
UWCT recruits certified tax preparers, greeters and intake specialists, administrative support volunteers, quality reviewers, and interpreters. Previous tax experience is not required for every role, and training is provided.
Household Survival Budget
The building blocks of financial stability
Financial progress becomes harder when the cost of one essential need forces a household to sacrifice another.
Financial Stability Is Connected Work
No single organization can solve every household barrier
UWCT-funded community partners address food access, housing, health, youth support, family safety, emergency assistance, workforce barriers, and other needs tied to financial stability. The strongest outcomes happen when residents can move through a connected network instead of searching alone.
EXPLORE COMMUNITY PARTNERSTake the Next Step
Choose the pathway that fits your need
I NEED HELP NOW
Find Essential Resources
Call 2-1-1 for information about local and state programs that may help address immediate household needs.
CALL 2-1-1 →I NEED TAX HELP
Review Current Filing Options
Check the VITA page for current local information or use MyFreeTaxes to explore free online filing.
VIEW TAX OPTIONS →I WANT TO HELP
Volunteer or Invest
Serve through VITA or another UWCT opportunity, or invest in collaborative strategies that strengthen local families.
VOLUNTEER WITH UWCT →Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding UWCT's financial stability work
Is UWCT's VITA program currently accepting appointments?
UWCT's regular 2026 filing-season appointments have ended. The current VITA page identifies First Heroes National Bank as continuing tax services through October 15, 2026 and lists 254-532-1026 for appointments.
Does income of $69,000 or less automatically qualify a return for VITA?
No. Income is one screening factor. Filing status and return complexity—including certain business, rental, farm, investment, cryptocurrency, and other situations—can affect eligibility.
What does ALICE mean?
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. It describes households earning above the federal poverty level but less than the income required to afford a basic household budget.
Does UWCT provide loans, cash assistance, or financial planning directly?
This page presents UWCT as a connector, convener, investor, and operator of VITA. Availability of direct financial assistance, coaching, employment services, or other programs depends on current partner resources and eligibility. Call 2-1-1 to explore available options.
Can I volunteer even if I do not know how to prepare taxes?
Yes. UWCT lists roles including greeters, administrative support, interpreters, and tax preparers. Training is provided, and previous tax experience is not required for every role.
Who should I contact with general questions?
Contact United Way of Central Texas at 254-778-8616 or info@uwct.org.
Financial stability grows when a community removes barriers together
Connect with essential resources, explore free tax options, learn from ALICE research, volunteer your skills, or invest in the partnerships helping Central Texas families build stronger futures.
CALL 2-1-1 CONTACT UWCT