Income tax filers earning as much as $67,000 annually can get their taxes done for free at four “Super Refund” events in Cleveland in January and February.

The first of four free income tax prep events will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at PNC Fairfax Connection, 8220 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland. Registration is required. Make an appointment at refundohio.org or by calling 211, a helpline operated by United Way.  

The events are run by the Cuyahoga EITC Coalition, which is led by Enterprise Community Partners. The coalition offers free tax preparation services because it wants eligible filers to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a tax break for low- and moderate-income workers and their families. Many of the preparers are IRS-certified volunteers who have completed special training by the federal agency.

What is a refundable tax credit? 

When a tax credit is refundable, this means you can get a refund even if you don’t owe any taxes. The EITC amounts range from $632 to $7,830, depending on the filer’s status, including the number of dependents and whether they are filing as a single person or a married couple. 

Who is eligible for free tax filing help?

Filers don’t have to be eligible for the EITC to get help at one of the events, but they can’t earn more than $66,819 – the maximum income allowed for the federal tax break.

The coalition is offering free tax preparation help at about 20 sites, including libraries and community organizations, through the spring. A few sites operate year round, which is noted on the website.

The free service includes filing using the IRS’s  E-file system.

Make an appointment at the website or by calling 211. 

Where to find free help filing taxes in February

Feb. 1

The St. Ignatius High School/KeyBank Super Saturday event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school, 1911 W. 30th St., Cleveland.

Feb. 8

The Cleveland Central Catholic High School/Third Federal Super Saturday event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland.

Feb.  22 

The Tri-C Metro Campus Tax Clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school’s Technology Learning Center, 2900 Community College Ave., Cleveland.

What documents do I need to bring? 

Filers must bring these documents to events or appointments. Electronic documents are not accepted.

  • Social Security cards for you and your spouse, if you are filing jointly, and any dependent you plan to claim on your taxes. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • Current government photo ID, such as a driver’s license or ID card. You’ll also need one for your spouse if you are filing jointly.
  • Tax documents, including:
  • W-2s, 1099s (NEC, MISC, 1099- R)
    • 1098-E (student loan interest), 1098-T (tuition), 
    • 1099-G (unemployment)  
    • 1095-A (Marketplace insurance). 
    • If you have any expenses related to self-employment, you’ll need to bring documents proving mileage, advertising, work cellphone and other expenses.
  • The prior year’s tax return, if available.

Economics Reporter (she/her)
Economics is often thought of as a lofty topic, but it shouldn’t be. My goal is to offer a street-level view of economics. My focus is on how the economy affects the lives of Greater Clevelanders. My areas of coverage include jobs, housing, entrepreneurship, unions, wealth inequality and pocketbook issues such as inflation.