VITA FREE Tax Prep Service

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free, high-quality, trusted tax preparation for individuals and families who generally earn $69,000 or less. 

Federal and State 2025 taxes are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers, reviewed for accuracy, and electronically filed at no cost. VITA services follow strict quality, confidentiality, and consumer protection standards set by the Internal Revenue Service. 

VITA serves: 

• Individuals and families 
• Students 
• Seniors 
• Gig and self-employed workers (within scope) 
• Immigrant and mixed-status households 
• ITIN filers

VITA can help with many common tax situations, including: 

• W-2 income 
• Multiple jobs 
• Dependents and families 
• Education credits 
• Gig and self-employment income (within limits) 
• ITIN tax filing 
• Some complex tax situations may be outside the VITA scope. If that happens, staff will explain why and help you understand next steps.

Not all VITA sites operate the same way. Knowing the difference helps you choose the best option. 

Walk-In Sites 

• No appointment required 
• First come, first served 
• Expect longer wait times during peak season 

Drop-Off / Pick-Up Sites 

• Check specific locations to see if an appointment is required
• You leave copies of documents with trained intake staff 
• Returns are prepared during the week 
• You return on another day to review and sign 
• Good if you cannot stay on site for long periods 

Appointment-Only Sites 

• You schedule a specific time in advance 
• Shorter wait times if you arrive prepared but limited availability of appointments 

Virtual / Hybrid VITA 

• Intake, preparation, and review happen remotely via phone call by one of our IRS-certified volunteers or through the self-serve myfreetaxes.org portal.
• Documents are uploaded securely 
• Communication happens by phone or video 
• Ideal for limited transportation or scheduling constraints

1. Visit https://www.myfreetaxes.org/
2. Select option “Prepare taxes for me in person”
3. You will need to fill out the requested information: Name, email address, phone number, zip code and mark yes or no for sharing your information. You click schedule an appointment.
4. Apply your zip code and appropriate filter.
5. Click the book now option for the site you prefer. 
6. Available appointments will be listed. Select the appropriate slot. Provide your name email phone number any additional notes or requests. 
   1. There are no appointments available? Appointments are available on a bi weekly basis, to serve the most current needs. Please check back in on a weekly basis.
7. You will receive an appointment confirmation. Please take all required documents to your appointment.
   1. Need to cancel an appointment? Use the provided confirmation to cancel your appointment.
   2. Rescheduling may be available. If you cancel an appointment to reschedule odds are you will not find an open slot. Please cancel original appointment. Please check back in on a weekly basis until you are able to secure a site.
8. No Appointment and still went to a tax site that is appointment only?
   1. If you arrive at a VITA Appointment site with out an appointment. You will be turned away, the tax appointments are set to accommodate the volunteer capacity at that site.

Most VITA visits follow the same basic process: 

1. Check-In 
   Intake staff verify documents and eligibility. 
2. Interview 
   A certified volunteer asks questions to ensure accuracy. 
3. Preparation 
   Your return is prepared using IRS provided and approved software. 
4. Quality Review 
   A second certified volunteer reviews the return. 
5. Review & E-File 
   You approve and sign the return before it is electronically filed. 

You are always responsible for the information on your tax return.

Time varies based on preparation, complexity, and site type. 

• Simple return at appointment site: 45–90 minutes 
• Walk-in during peak season: 1.5–3 hours 
• Drop-off site: Several days to two weeks*

Arriving without required documentation will delay the preparation time required to file your tax return. You will be asked to return or visit another VITA site with the completed paperwork.

These times DO NOT include wait time while the sites open.

*We prioritize filing 2025 federal and state tax returns due by 04/15/2026. Taxes for other years may be completed after the current season finishes.

Bring original documents. Photos on your phone are usually not sufficient. 

Identification 

• Government-issued photo ID (and spouse if filing jointly) 
• Social Security card or ITIN letter for everyone on the return 

Income Documents 

• All W-2s 
• All 1099 forms (1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-K, etc.) 
• Prior-year tax return (if available) 

Banking Information 

• Routing and account numbers for direct deposit 
• Voided check or bank statement if unsure 

Health Insurance 

• Form 1095-A if you had Covered California or marketplace insurance
• Other forms/IDs from your employer or government sponsored insurance

Gig Workers and Self-Employed Individuals 

Bring: 

• All 1099-NEC or 1099-K forms 
• A summary of income received in cash, checks, or apps 
• Records of business expenses such as mileage, supplies, equipment, phone or internet use, and platform fees 

Important: 

• All income must be reported, including cash 

• Volunteers cannot estimate or guess amounts 

• You are responsible for the numbers provided 

• The information you provide must be fully calculated and totals made readily available; Volunteers will not be allowed to calculate for you

Students 

Bring: 

• Form 1098-T from your school 
• Records of scholarships and grants 
• Tuition payment receipts if available 
• W-2s from all jobs 
• Health insurance documents 

Know this: 

• Being a student does not automatically make you independent. Have a student status may mean you are eligible to be claimed as a dependent by a guardian or parent.

• Education credits can significantly increase refunds 

• Filing incorrectly can affect both refunds and financial aid 

ITIN Filers 

VITA can assist ITIN filers at authorized sites. 

Bring: 

• Passport or approved identification documents 
• ITIN letter
• Make sure the Social Security Number used for work is readily available for the volunteers 

Not all sites process ITIN applications. Email vita@unitedwaymcca.org to request information on the availability for filing a W-7 ITIN Application. 

Most refunds are issued within 21 days after IRS acceptance. 

Options include: 

• Direct deposit to a bank account 
• Splitting refunds into multiple accounts 
• Paper check are NO Longer issued

VITA never charges fees and never takes any portion of your refund.

Yes. VITA sites follow strict confidentiality and security standards. 

• Volunteers are certified annually 
• Information is never sold or shared 
• No one may solicit business or donations 
• At the end of each tax season all records are properly destroyed and disposed

VITA cannot: 

• Represent taxpayers in audits 
• Prepare complex business returns 
• Provide legal advice 
• File returns without required documents 
• Expedite your returns

If a return is out of scope, staff will explain why and help you understand options.

• Missing documents 
• Incorrect Social Security or ITIN numbers 
• Marketplace insurance forms missing 
• Unreported gig income 
• Name mismatches with SSA records 
• Prior-year returns not filed 

Preparation helps avoid delays.

• Bring all documents the first time 
• Arrive early for walk-in sites and be prepared for likely wait times
• Ask questions during your review 
• Keep copies of your tax return as we do not keep records. At the end of each tax season all records are properly destroyed and disposed
• Be patient and honest. Volunteers are here to help, not judge.