VITA PROGRAM

Woman doing taxes for VITA client

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

 

Tax Graphic

 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a cornerstone program of United Way that can be instrumental in helping individuals and families in their journey to financial stability. 

This free tax preparation service is available to low-to-moderate income wage earners earning $60,000 or less. Clients often include minimum-wage earners, those who may be homeless, self-employed, and the elderly or people with disabilities. 

IRS-certified volunteers provide basic return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. 

VITA provides a safe alternative to high-free tax preparation services and predatory lenders offering expensive refund anticipation loans. VITA sites help many working families access valuable tax credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits.

 

 

General Information and FAQ

VITA services are available by appointment ONLY. Please call (409) 948-4211 to set up your appointment. Appointment scheduling will begin on February 13th.

  • If you have access to a printer, please fill out the VITA Intake Form in advance and bring it to your appointment. This will speed up the process!
  • Through United Way's partnership with H & R Block, every household with a simple return can file their federal taxes for free by visiting https://www.myfreetaxes.com/

  • Individuals whose annual household income was less than $60,000

  • Individuals who are NOT filing Married Filing Separate returns

  • Individuals who are NOT filing a Schedule SE (Form 1099) with reported business loss, deducting a home office, keeping an inventory for their business, paying employees, and/or have more than $25,000 in total business expenses

To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

  • Proof of identification (photo ID) for the taxpayer (and spouse if married filing joint return). Both spouses must be present at pick-up.

  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents and/or ITIN cards and birth dates for the taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents listed on the return

  • Copy of all income statements: W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, and 1099-MISC, Social Security Benefits Statement, and/or other sources of income

  • A copy of last year’s federal return (if you filed). Important if you received or qualify for Earned Income Credit.

  • You must know the exact amount of any stimulus payments (Letter 6475) and child tax credits (Letter 6419) that you received.

  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) *

  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit or direct debit, such as a voided check *

  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number *

  • Documentation of higher education costs on Tuition Statement Form (Forms 1098-T) and receipts for educational materials (books, equipment, room, and board, etc.) *

  • Forms 1095-A, B, and C, Health Coverage Statements, if applicable*

  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state *

*Required if applicable

Disclaimer: Our volunteers withhold the right to refuse preparation services if the above requirements are not met or if any required documents are not provided at the time of your appointment.