Is VITA as good as going to a paid preparer?
No, IT IS BETTER! Being free doesn’t mean lower quality and unlike some paid preparers who advertise free service for a simple return, a VITA site will never charge you for claiming the EITC, e-filing, or filling out additional forms. With VITA, you get a preparer who has been trained and certified by the IRS who will not try to sell you any additional services. No gimmicks. No games. Just high-quality tax preparation services for free!
How do I schedule my VITA appointment?
It depends on the location. Some sites are first come first serve while others are appointment-only. Find your site first and then see how they handle appointment intake.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
- Proof of identification – Picture ID
- Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration OR Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse and dependents
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- Health Care forms, especially if you purchased health insurance through the MarketPlace (Forms 1095-A)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available
- Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security Number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number) if appropriate
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
Where can I go to check on the status of my state or federal tax refunds?
You can access information on your State and Federal returns status using the following links:
Federal- Where’s my refund?
- To acces your federal information, you will need to know the following items: social security number or ITIN, filing status, and exact refund amount. This information can be found on your Federal tax return.
State- Eservices Individual Income Tax
- To access your state tax information, you will need to know the following items: primary filer’s social security number, primary filer’s last name, tax year, adjusted gross income or total household resources, and filing status. This information can be found on your state tax return.
How do I avoid scams?
Beware of any mail, email, phone call, text, social media, or websites that ask for your Social Security number and date of birth or those of any family member. Some scammers say they are the IRS calling with important information. Some say they will help you get stimulus or tax credits payments. But they are trying to steal your payments by filing under your name and directing the money to their address or bank account.