Impact America’s SaveFirst program operated from 2007 to 2025. Each year, SaveFirst trained AmeriCorps members, college students, civic organizations, and other community volunteers to become IRS-certified tax preparers who offered free tax preparation to individuals and families. Tax preparers ensured taxpayers received the full amount of their refunds by taking advantage of all applicable credits.
Throughout the program’s history, most of SaveFirst tax preparation sites were managed by AmeriCorps members. These were recent college graduates who came to Impact America to conduct large-scale service efforts. They received intensive tax and site management training, gained leadership skills, and received insights into public service. Over 250 AmeriCorps members served with SaveFirst.
At its peak, SaveFirst operated over 30 free tax preparation sites across Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. These sites prepared over 100,000 returns, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in tax refunds and saving taxpayers a projected $40 million in tax preparation fees.
Impact America is grateful to the many community partners who hosted tax sites in their facilities, sent volunteer groups to serve, and assisted in outreach efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where’s my refund?
- Once the IRS accepts a tax return, tax preparers have no control over when a refund will arrive. Generally, refunds are deposited within 21 days of the tax appointment. Paper checks take about 4-6 weeks to be mailed.
- Go to irs.gov/refunds, click “Check My Refund Status,” and enter your SSN, filing status, and refund amount.
- For Alabama refunds, visit myalabamataxes.alabama.gov.
- For South Carolina refunds, visit mydorway.dor.sc.gov.
Who do I contact with questions about my federal returns?
To request a return transcript or view your tax records, please visit irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. You may also visit your local IRS office or call (800) 908-9946.
Who do I contact with questions about my state returns?
- Please visit myalabamataxes.alabama.gov to request a copy of your Alabama tax return. You may also call the Alabama Department of Revenue at (855) 894-7391.
- Please visit mydorway.dor.sc.gov to request a copy of your South Carolina tax return. You may also call the South Carolina Department of Revenue at (844) 898-8542 (Option 1).
Where can I go to prepare my taxes now?
Please visit irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to find another free tax preparation program near you.
We are so grateful to the agencies, companies and foundations who supported SaveFirst across our footprint.
