VITA Income Tax Preparation

 

VITA logo

VITA FAQ'S

If you had a household income of $67,000 or less in 2024, have a disability, or English is not your primary language, you may be eligible for FREE tax preparation services.

You may also qualify for an additional refund worth thousands called the Earned Income Tax Credit. For VITA services call 211 or 232-HELP to make an appointment with a local VITA site near you.

Looking for additional resources? Go to MyFreeTaxes.com for free filing information and services.

What does VITA stand for?

VITA is an acronym for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance , and it offers free tax preparation utilizing volunteers who are trained by the IRS.

People in great need often file early - and at great expense - through commercial tax preparation services that charge large fees. We want to spread the word that FREE tax help is available. By filing returns at local VITA sites people receive 100% of their refund. IRS-trained volunteers can help you find special tax credits. 

IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. Taxpayers who come to free tax preparation sites can find out about programs that will help them leverage their refunds toward the financial success of their families. These asset-building programs provide financial education, homebuyer's education, down payment assistance and low-interest car loans.

Your taxes will be processed using a secure software program provided directly from the IRS to St. Landry-Evangeline United Way Louisiana's VITA Initiative. 

Who is eligible for this free service?

You may qualify for the tax prep through VITA if one (or all) of these apply to you:

  • Your total household income was $67,000 or less.
  • You do not receive active military pay.
  • You are not a practicing clergy.
  • You did not have farm income.
  • You did not own a business.
  • You did not have rental property income.
  • You did not have income from trading stocks or bonds.
  • You don't speak English well enough to complete your taxes.
  • You have a disability.

What should I bring with me?

  • Current Photo ID (both spouses, if joint return)
  • Social Security Card or ITIN for each family member to be claimed on the tax return
    • Can substitute with a Social Security Income Statement(s)
  • All forms of income from 2024 (W2, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC or 1098)
  • End-of-the-year retirement plan statements (401K, IRA, etc.)
  • Childcare provider name, address and tax ID number
  • Record of expenses (child care, education, medical, dental, etc.)
  • Receipts for charitable donations, business expenses, etc.
  • Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (1095a) if applicable
  • Banking Information for direct deposit (voided check  or routing and checking account numbers)
  • Last year's tax return, if available

Schedule your appointment (click here)