United Way Broward and Broward Tax Pro Are Helping People Rise and Thrive
by Alexis Basgil, MPA, Director of Financial Prosperity and Emergency Management at United Way Broward
by Alexis Basgil, MPA, Director of Financial Prosperity and Emergency Management at United Way Broward
Financial stability is one of the powerful predictors of a family’s long‑term well‑being. However, thousands of people across Broward County can be overwhelmed when navigating tax season, understanding credits, and finding trustworthy financial guidance.
This is where United Way Broward and the innovative Broward Tax Pro program make a tremendous difference — offering both tax-preparation services and pathways to empowerment, stability, and opportunity.
Through partnerships, advocacy, and direct services, United Way Broward helps people overcome barriers so they can rise and thrive. One of the many impactful ways we provide assistance is by helping residents keep more of their hard‑earned money. Broward Tax Pro is an outstanding example of our mission in action.
Certified by the IRS, Broward Tax Pro is a free tax-preparation service supporting lower‑ to moderate‑income individuals and families. This program is part of the national Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative, but United Way Broward has elevated it with local expertise, community partnerships, and a strong focus on financial empowerment.
The goal is simple: Help residents file accurate tax returns, claim every credit they qualify, and avoid the high fees charged by commercial tax preparers.
For many people, these savings can be transformative. Filing fees alone can cost hundreds of dollars — money that could instead go toward rent, groceries, childcare, or savings. Broward Tax Pro ensures every dollar stays in the pockets of Broward County’s residents.
This support is especially vital for ALICE households, who often face financial strain during tax season. Tax season can be stressful for anyone, but for ALICE households living paycheck to paycheck, it can be especially daunting. Many families are unaware of the credits available to them, such as:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
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Child Tax Credit (CTC)
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education credits
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healthcare‑related credits
These credits can deliver a significant boost to an individual or family’s annual income. However, millions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed every year simply because too often people don’t know they exist or don’t have access to reliable tax assistance.
Broward Tax Pro bridges this gap. This program’s IRS‑certified volunteers are trained to identify every eligible credit, ensuring people receive the maximum refunds possible. It is more than filing taxes — it’s unlocking financial opportunities for people in need.
One of the inspiring aspects of Broward Tax Pro is the community spirit behind it. Volunteers from all backgrounds — retirees, students, financial professionals, and civic‑minded residents — come together to support their neighbors. This collaborative model strengthens the social fabric of Broward County. It’s a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, meaningful change becomes possible.
Although tax preparation is the core service, Broward Tax Pro is a gateway to broader financial empowerment. United Way Broward integrates the program with other initiatives to support long‑term financial stability, including:
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support for financial coaching and budgeting
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access to benefits and community resources
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programs related to employment and workforce development
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housing support, assistance with utilities, and emergency assistance
In addition to Broward Tax Pro, United Way Broward offers My Free Taxes, an online, self‑filing tool helping people prepare and submit their own tax returns at no cost. This resource empowers residents who prefer a do‑it‑yourself approach — providing guidance, accuracy checks, and user‑friendly support to ensure they maximize their refunds.
Tax refunds often serve as the largest lump sum of money a family receives all year. Broward Tax Pro encourages residents to use this opportunity strategically — whether by reducing debt, starting an emergency fund, or investing in education or career advancement.
The effects of Broward Tax Pro extend far beyond single households. When families keep more of their income, the entire community benefits. Refunds often are spent locally — supporting small businesses, boosting the economy, and strengthening neighborhoods.
United Way Broward has reported millions of dollars returned to the community through free tax preparation and credits claimed. Last year alone, this service provided a total of more than $3 million in tax refunds to thousands of ALICE households — helping people keep more of what they earn as well as fueling greater financial stability and growth across our community.
Because United Way Broward is committed to making tax season easier, safer, and more affordable for every resident, we’ve partnered with trusted community organizations to offer free, in‑person tax‑preparation services.
Whether you need one‑on‑one support, language assistance, or simply the confidence of working with an IRS‑certified tax preparer, you can visit 15 locations across our community to get reliable help from people who care. Explore the sites below to find the one that best fits your schedule, neighborhood, and preferences.
Coral Springs
Northwest Regional Library
3151 N. University Drive, Room 214 and Multipurpose Room
January 31, 2026 to April 11, 2026
Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm
Languages: English, Spanish
Appointment? Yes
Davie
Nova Southeastern University
3050 Ray Ferrero Junior Blvd.
January 31, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm; Sundays from noon to 4 pm
Appointment? No
Fort Lauderdale
Center for Independent Living of Broward
4800 N. State Road 7, Building F120
February 3, 2026 to April 14, 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 4 pm
Appointment? Yes
African American Research Library
2650 NW 6th St.
January 21, 2026 to April 15, 2026
Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 pm to 7 pm; Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm
Languages: English, Spanish
Appointment? No
Urban League of Broward County
560 NW 27th Ave.
January 26, 2026 to May 15, 2026
Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to noon
Languages: English, Spanish, more
Appointment? Yes
Hollywood
Hispanic Unity of Florida — Main Site
5840 Johnson St.
January 20, 2026 to April 15, 2026
Tuesdays from 10 am to 3 pm and Tuesdays from 5 pm to 8:30 pm; Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am to 2 pm
Languages: English, Spanish
Appointment? No
Miramar
Community Access Center — Miramar Branch Library
2050 Civic Center
January 26, 2026 to April 11, 2026
Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm
Languages: English, Spanish
Appointment? No
Community Access Center
8910 Miramar Pkwy., Suite 208
February 7, 2026 to April 11, 2026
Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm
Appointment? No
Oakland Park
City of Sunrise Senior Center
10650 W. Oakland Park Blvd.
February 7, 2026 to April 11, 2026
Saturdays from 9 am to noon
Appointment? Yes
Gateway Medical
4513 NW 31st Ave.
February 7, 2026 to April 11, 2026
Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm
Languages: English, Spanish, more
Appointment? Yes
Pembroke Pines
South Regional Broward College Library
7300 Pines Blvd.
January 24, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 am to 3 pm
Appointment? No
Plantation
West Regional Library
8601 West Broward Blvd., Room 142
Jan 20, 2026-Apr 15, 2026
Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm; Thursday from 3 pm to 5:30 pm; Saturdays from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Languages: English, Spanish
Appointment? No
Pompano Beach
Community Access Center — E. Pat Larkins Community Center
520 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
January 27, 2026 to April 15, 2026
Tuesdays from 10 am to 3 pm; Wednesdays from 2:30 pm to 7 pm; Fridays from 9:30 am to 3 pm
Languages: English, French
Appointment? No
Tamarac
Tamarac Community Center
8601 W. Commercial Blvd.
January 21, 2026 to April 15, 2026
Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm; Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm; Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm
Languages: English, Spanish
Appointment? Yes
Tamarac Recreation Center
7525 N. University Drive
January 24, 2026 to April 11, 2026
Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm
Languages: English, Spanish
Appointment? Yes