Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Trained community volunteers may help with special credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credit, and Child Tax Credit. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, most sites also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). Individuals taking advantage of the e-file program will receive their refunds in half the time compared to returns filed on paper – even faster when tax refunds are deposited directly into one's bank account.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887 or check this partial VITA site list online. (This list does not include every VITA site.)

Please bring the following to your appointment:

Social Security card(s) for yourself, your spouse, and any dependent.
Photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, school or tribal ID.
W-2s, if you earned wages in 2010.
Direct deposit information, such as checkbook or voided check, if you expect a refund.
If you rent, your landlord’s name, address, and phone number (if possible).
Any 1099s or 1098s sent to you for 2010. These are tax documents issued for savings income, Social Security income, retirement distribution, disability income, etc. (SSI and other forms of public assistance are not taxable, however.)
Your mortgage statements, property tax statements, or medical bills if you plan to itemize.

It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security Number. The most accurate information is usually located on your original Social Security card. Each year hundreds of thousands of returns are delayed in processing, or credit/deductions are disallowed because names and Social Security Numbers do not match Social Security Administration records. To prevent processing delays in paper returns and rejected electronically filed returns, volunteers check the accuracy of each Social Security Number, as well as the spelling of the name associated with the number.

If you or your dependent is not eligible to get a Social Security Number, you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

There are payment options available when using IRS e-file.
If you owe, you can make a payment (by April 15) by authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal (direct debit) from a checking or savings account, paying by credit (Discover Card®, American Express®, MasterCard® or VISA® Card), or by check or money order (payable to the United States Treasury) using Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher.

Disclaimer: Please note that if your return falls outside the VITA scope of training, you may be referred to a paid preparer. This includes but is not limited to Married Filing Separately, Cancellation of Debt, Health/Medical Savings Accounts, pre-2010 returns, and Stocks and Bonds.

Lindsay DeWitt

VITA PROGRAM COORDINATOR

(707) 269-2016