VITA Tax Help FAQ's

Scheduled a VITA Tax Appointment, but still have questions? Find all you need to know here! 

What should I bring with me?

  • Original photo identification for you and your spouse (if married filing jointly), such as a:
    • Valid U.S driver’s license
    • Employer ID
    • School ID
    • State ID (U.S.)
    • Military ID
    • National ID
    • Visa
    • Passport
  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
    • Note: If you need to request a replacement card or update your Social Security record, go to Social Security number & card to find the best way to do this.
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) notice CP-01A, We assigned you an identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN) for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number (SSN)
  • 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
  • Social Security Benefit Statements (SSA-1099), if applicable
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • 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
  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number, such as their SSN or business EIN
  • Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
  • Forms 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

What can VITA help me with?

  • Single and Married Filing Jointly Tax Returns
    • No Married Filing Separately unless both spouses are at the appointment at the same time
  • Standard Deductions (No itemized deductions unless the client has done all the accounting prior to the appointment and brings totals for each line item on the itemized deduction form and proof of every one of the amounts)
  • Income limit of $55,000 for Single, $90,000 for Joint Return
  • All returns will be e-filed (Federal and State) at no charge

What can't VITA help me with?

  • We Can Not Provide Tax Advice
  • Married Filing Separately returns with only one spouse at the appointment
  • Itemized Deductions without calculations prepared prior to appointment and presented with proofs
  • Retirement Investment Accounting - all retirement or similar accounts must have total and no accounting needed by the volunteers
  • Business Returns (We can do Form 1040 C-EZ)
  • Amended Returns for Prior Years
    • We can do these but they take low priority over current tax year returns and will be on a case-by-case basis