Don't Let FREE Tax Prep Pass You By. Make VITA Your Next Stop!
United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance service (VITA) is focused on putting more money into the pockets of working families. IRS-trained volunteers offer FREE Tax Prep for families and individuals who earned less than $58,000 in 2021! Our goal is to make sure you get your FULL refund, claim all your eligible credits, and learn to use taxes to grow your assets! You can count on VITA to provide the highest quality tax service to families, individuals, and some small business owners.
May 17, 2021, UWMC wrapped up our 12th year of VITA with 1,232 tax returns filed. Due to the shelter-in-place orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UWMC shifted to providing free Virtual VITA tax preparation services.
UWMC will offer free tax preparation service for Monterey County residents. Taxpayer options of preparation include in person tax preparation, virtual tax preparation, self-tax preparation, or volunteer guided tax preparation.
Take a look at the Tax Prep Checklist to help you stay on top of your taxes and know what to prepare so you are ready to file and maximize your refund.
You have two ways to file for free:
- Drop off or email your documents to a VITA site and IRS-trained volunteers will prepare them for you.
- File free online at MyFreeTaxes.com
California Earned Income Tax
California Earned Income Tax (CalEITC) is a cash-back tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of California’s working families and individuals. In its first year, CalEITC boosted the income of about 385,000 families, who shared almost $200 million from the cash-back credit. CalEITC gives working families the chance to get ahead. Studies show that young children in households that receive the EITC do better in school, are more likely to attend college, and earn more, brightening the future of the next generation.
Beginning January 2021, families filing with an ITIN number are eligible to claim the CalEITC tax credit.
When to File
- Taxpayers have until April 18, 2022 to file
- United Way Monterey County will resume its tax preparation services from February 2022 to April 16, 2022
- Taxpayers are encouraged to use www.Myfreetaxes.com to file a tax return at no cost
VITA Sites
For appointments call (831) 757-3206
Salinas Public Library- Cesar Chavez
615 Williams Road, Salinas CA 93905
Days and Times
Fridays 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8, 15
Walk In; Same day tax prep
Center For Employment Training- Salinas
24 East Alvin Drive, Salinas, CA 93906
Days and Times
Wednesdays 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
February 2, 9, 16, 23
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
April 6, 13
Walk in; Drop off Documents
Center for Employment Training- Soledad
930 Los Coches Dr, Ste 103, Soledad, CA 93960
Days and Times
Saturdays 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16
Appointment; Drive in
United Way Salinas Office
307 Main Street, Suite 100, Salinas, CA 93906
Days and Times
Mondays and Tuesdays 12:00 PM - 3:00PM
February 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28
March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
April 4, 5, 11, 12
Appointment for drop off; Virtual tax preparation
Hartnell College- Extension East Alisal
East Alisal St. Salinas Room AC-213 , CA 93901
Days and Times
Saturdays 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16
Appointment; Same day tax prep
Hartnell College- Main Campus
411 Central Avenue, Student Services Building B, Room 110, Salinas, CA 93901
Days and Times
Thursdays 5:30 PM- 9:00 PM
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 24
April 7, 14
Appointment; Same day tax prep
United Way Monterey Office
60 Garden Court, Suite 350 Monterey, CA 93940
Days and Times
Saturday 9:00 AM- 12:30 PM
February 5, 12, 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16
Appointment; Same Day tax preparation
Monterey County Free Library - Marina
190 Seaside Cir, Marina CA 93933
Days and Times
Alternating Saturdays 10:30 AM- 3:00 PM
February 12, 26
March 12, 26
April 9
Appointment; Same Day tax preparation
Monterey County Free Library - Castroville
11160 Speegle St, Castroville, CA 95012
Days and Times
Alternating Saturdays 1:00 PM- 5:00 PM
February 5, 19
March 5, 19
April 2, 16
FSA Appointment; same day tax preparation
Are you interested in being a VITA Volunteer?
Read the experience of George Jones, a dedicated UWMC VITA volunteer for over seven years, in transitioning to Virtual VITA service, how it benefit him and VITA customers. Learn more about becoming an IRS-certified VITA Volunteer and sign up.