United Way of King County, founded in 1921, mobilizes the Seattle region to fight poverty, anchored by one of the country's largest free tax preparation campaigns. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
The affiliate mobilizes the King County community in ways no single agency or government can, funding programs and running campaigns that fight poverty and homelessness. Its best-known program is the Free Tax Preparation Campaign.
It serves King County, Washington, which includes Seattle and surrounding communities.
The affiliate's signature service is free tax preparation, available both in person and online, which helps working people claim refunds and credits at no cost. Residents can also dial 211 to reach Washington's statewide resource line for food, housing, and other services.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| Free Tax Preparation Campaign | Free in-person and online tax filing; since 2003 it has served 150,000+ clients and returned $200 million-plus in refunds. |
| 211 helpline | Washington's free, confidential line connecting callers to local services. |
| Homelessness and housing | Programs and funding that help people find and keep stable housing. |
| ALICE research | Data on working households that cannot afford the basics in a high-cost region. |
Because Seattle is a high-cost area, free tax help and benefits access matter for households that earn a paycheck yet still struggle.
United Way of King County's Free Tax Preparation Campaign is one of the largest of its kind in the country. Since it began in 2003, IRS-certified volunteers have prepared returns for more than 150,000 clients and helped return over $200 million in refunds, all at no charge.
Claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit can mean a meaningful refund for a working family, money that would otherwise be lost to paid preparer fees.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause. Donations support the affiliate's programs and campaigns.
Volunteering is central here: the Free Tax Preparation Campaign relies on IRS-certified volunteers each tax season. United Way of King County holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 91-0565555.
One of the largest free tax campaigns in the country.
Washington's free connection to local services.
Programs that help people find and keep housing.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs across King County.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: United Way of King County (uwkc.org) Free Tax Preparation Campaign pages; Charity Navigator and ProPublica (EIN 91-0565555). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with United Way of King County and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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