The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $58,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
While the IRS manages the VITA programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. In Vermont this is provided by the five Community Action Agencies.
VITA services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns, Rental Credit and Homestead Declarations.
Contact your local Agency for Assistance
