When tax season arrives, a lot of people and families look for help in understanding the complexities involved in filing returns. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program set up by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides free income tax preparation for those eligible. Let us take a look at the details of the VITA program and who qualifies to benefit.
What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program?
The VITA program has been operational for over 50 years, providing free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Staffed by IRS-certified volunteers, VITA sites assist taxpayers in accurately filing their federal and state returns, ensuring they claim all eligible credits and deductions. These volunteers undergo rigorous training to meet or exceed IRS standards, including maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.
Read more: What are FICA and SECA taxes?
Who is eligible for VITA services?
You might wonder if you qualify for VITA’s free tax assistance. Generally, the program serves:
- Individuals and families with an annual income of $67,000 or less: This threshold ensures that low to moderate-income taxpayers can access free tax preparation services.
- Persons with disabilities: VITA sites are equipped to accommodate and assist taxpayers with various disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support during tax season.
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers: For those who are not fluent in English, VITA offers assistance to help overcome language barriers in tax preparation.
In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program focuses on taxpayers aged 60 and above, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
How can you find a VITA or TCE site near you?
Locating a nearby VITA or TCE site is straightforward:
- Online Locator Tools: The IRS provides a VITA/TCE Locator Tool on their website, allowing you to search for sites based on your zip code.
- Phone Assistance: You can call 800-906-9887 to get information about the nearest VITA or TCE site.
- AARP Partnership: Many TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program. To locate the nearest AARP TCE Tax-Aide site between January and April, you can use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.
These sites are typically located at community centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations across the country.
Read more: Who can apply for federal tax exemption and who is eligible for tax exempt status?
What should you bring to a VITA or TCE site?
To ensure a smooth and efficient tax preparation process, it’s essential to bring the necessary documents and information:
- Personal Identification:
- Valid photo ID
- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and dependents
- Valid photo ID
- Income and Tax Documents:
- W-2 forms from all employers
- 1099 forms for other income sources
- Information on other income, such as unemployment, Social Security benefits, or self-employment income
- W-2 forms from all employers
- Expense Documentation:
- Childcare expenses, along with the provider’s name, address, and tax ID
- Education expenses and records of any scholarships or grants
- Childcare expenses, along with the provider’s name, address, and tax ID
- Banking Information:
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of refunds
Bringing all relevant documents ensures that the volunteers can accurately and efficiently prepare your tax return.
Read more: What are the most common reasons my tax refund is delayed?
What are the benefits of using VITA services?
The VITA services offer several advantages:
- Cost savings: With free tax preparation assistance from VITA, taxpayers are better able to avoid the fees that accompany the services of paid tax preparers. These benefits are particularly valuable for low-income taxpayers.
- Accurate returns: With IRS-certified volunteers preparing your return, you are confident that the taxes that you have filed are correct, so there will be minimal chances of some errors slipping through the cracks, which may lead to a possible audit or delayed refunds.
- Maximized refunds: Full VITA training teaches volunteers how to find and apply every credit and deduction for which you qualify, maximizing your refund.
- Community support: When you use VITA services, you are really working with fellow community members who want to help their neighbors build a sense of community and mutual support.
Continue reading:
Can you get IRS tax credit if you don’t have a Social Security number?
Who can apply for federal tax exemption and who is eligible for tax exempt status?
“What is meant by “”no tax liability”” in the exceptions to the estimated tax penalty?”
