VITA is the acronym for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program which provides free tax help for qualifying taxpayers across the country. The program began in 1969 and has since grown into a popular program: last year, there were over 12,000 VITA sites across the country.
VITA volunteers receive training to prepare basic tax returns. Some volunteers may also focus on specific issues such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. Most VITA programs are income dependent (for taxpayers making $49,000 or less) though a handful of them cater to specific demographics, such as the elderly.
VITA sites are located all over the country, usually in community centers, libraries, schools or other public places; to find a center, check out the IRS web site or call 1.800.906.9887.
If you plan to take advantage of the VITA program, the IRS encourages you to bring the following items with you to the site:
- Proof of identification
- Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/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 ITN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
- Proof of Bank 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)
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
If you don’t have your tax information handy, volunteers can’t help you. When I volunteered with VITA, we often had clients show up without the most basic of information – keep in mind that volunteers are trained but they’re not mind readers.
The VITA center that I staffed worked out of a local senior center for the most part (we held a couple of Saturday open houses at our law office). It was terrific fun. The clients were most appreciative and engaging. My favorite client told me that his occupation was “spy” (it wasn’t). I even took my daughter with me one time. She was about 4 years old and very charming, as she explained to the folks at the center that I drove taxis for a living (as opposed to doing taxes).
Since the majority of our clients were seniors, I got exposure to a lot of tax issues that I hadn’t really encountered before. It marked the first time, for example, that I had actually seen a Railroad Retirement Benefits form (if you’ve seen one, you know why it was memorable).
As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to learn a lot about tax returns and tax policy. Temple Law (my alma mater) even offers a course on Low Income Taxpayer Policy and Practice which “enables students to see first hand the effect tax policies have on low income taxpayers and then to process that experience through the lens of existing tax policy scholarship and commentary.” Students spend time volunteering at VITA and must keep a journal about their experiences; they will then submit a paper making recommendations for changes. It’s a pretty cool concept. I think more tax professionals should have insight into the challenges – and follies – of our tax system for lower income taxpayers. What better way than observing it first hand?
To volunteer at a site, use the online tool to find a center near you or call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040 (this time of year, be prepared to wait).
If you do use a VITA site to prepare your taxes, keep in mind that those folks helping you out are volunteers and they’re taking time out of the their schedules to do something nice. Be sure to let them know that you appreciate it.
Actually, you can avoid the main IRS toll-free number. There’s a dedicated VITA and TCE hotline to find a location: 1-800-906-9887.
Six years, and counting! I LOVE my Seniors!
Thank you so much for posting this! In greater Lansing, Michigan, we have filed over 1400 returns so far this season with over $2 million dollars in total refunds! It is so rewarding to see families in our community get all of the refundable credits they’ve earned, and use those dollars to get on top of bills, or to purchase savings bonds, or to buy the vehicle they need to have in order to work. Keep on spreading the word! 20% of Michiganders who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit DO NOT CLAIM IT!