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What is VITA?

 

VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and is a nationwide IRS program that offers FREE tax preparation assistance to people who generally make $64,000 or less, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and English/Spanish speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. United Way of Stanislaus County partners with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide this free service to residents of Stanislaus County. Tax preparation services are provided by trained, IRS-certified volunteers. All locations are IRS-authorized e-file providers.

Who qualifies for VITA free tax preparation?

Eligibility for free tax filing

  • Income $64,000 or less

  • No rental income (from a property you own)

  • Did not file for bankruptcy last year

  • Had no cancellation of debt outside of non-business credit cards

  • No clergy income

  • If married, are filing jointly

  • If self-employed, no business-related expenses over $35,000 or businesses with employees, inventory, business property, net loss, or depreciating assets.

  • No sales of cryptocurrency

How can I find a VITA site?


United Way of Stanislaus County’s VITA program is located in Modesto at 422 McHenry Avenue. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled at myfreetaxes.org For other locations, call 211 or 1-877-211-7826 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak to a specialist who can direct you to a site nearest you.

Items to bring to your appointment:

  • Proof of identification (photo ID)

  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents 

  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number

  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN

  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return

  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers

  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

  • All Forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements

  • Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received

  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available

  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check

  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number

  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable

Self Preparation

Free self-preparation is available at myfreetaxes.org if your annual income is $64,000 or less.

To stay up-to-date on information and resources, text “taxes” to 211-211

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