Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, appointments are required. No-show appointments will not be rescheduled. If for some reason you are not able to make it to your appointment, please call at least 24 hours in advance and reschedule.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, appointments are required. No-show appointments will not be rescheduled. If for some reason you are not able to make it to your appointment, please call at least 24 hours in advance and reschedule.
Do I qualify for free tax preparation through VITA?
If you made $64,000 or less you may qualify. Upon calling for an appointment additional information will be needed to determine if you qualify.
Do I qualify for free tax preparation through VITA?
If you made $64,000 or less you may qualify. Upon calling for an appointment additional information will be needed to determine if you qualify.
If you were self-employed, for us to do your taxes:
• Business expenses (including mileage) must be less than $35,000.
• Bring in an itemized list of ALL business expenses along with business mileage log to your appointment—this needs to be completed prior to the appointment (we do standard mileage rate, not actual car expenses and we cannot do business use of home expenses or any depreciation)
• You cannot have employees working for you
• Bring in a total of ALL income earned for your business, whether you got a 1099-NEC or not, all
income including cash must be reported.
(If you had a business loss, had employees, or your expenses exceeded $35,000 then you are not eligible for our services and should contact a paid professional)
If you were self-employed, for us to do your taxes:
• Business expenses (including mileage) must be less than $35,000.
• Bring in an itemized list of ALL business expenses along with business mileage log to your appointment—this needs to be completed prior to the appointment (we do standard mileage rate, not actual car expenses and we cannot do business use of home expenses or any depreciation)
• You cannot have employees working for you
• Bring in a total of ALL income earned for your business, whether you got a 1099-NEC or not, all
income including cash must be reported.
(If you had a business loss, had employees, or your expenses exceeded $35,000 then you are not eligible for our services and should contact a paid professional)
Do you own any rental property?
(If yes, you are not eligible and should contact a paid professional)
Do you own any rental property?
(If yes, you are not eligible and should contact a paid professional)
Do you have Farm income?
(If yes, you are not eligible for our service and should contact a paid preparer).
Do you have Farm income?
(If yes, you are not eligible for our service and should contact a paid preparer).
Do you have investment income?
• The program volunteers have limited training and cannot prepare returns with complicated capital gains.
Do you have investment income?
• The program volunteers have limited training and cannot prepare returns with complicated capital gains.
Excessive stock trading will not qualify. (Ex. Scottrade, Ameritrade, E-trade accounts, buying and selling stock with a personal account frequently. Please see a professional preparer for assistance.)
(If you had cryptocurrency, you are not eligible for our services and should contact a paid professional)
Excessive stock trading will not qualify. (Ex. Scottrade, Ameritrade, E-trade accounts, buying and selling stock with a personal account frequently. Please see a professional preparer for assistance.)
(If you had cryptocurrency, you are not eligible for our services and should contact a paid professional)
What should I bring to my tax appointment?
• A copy of the most recent prior year’s federal tax returns if available
• Valid Photo ID for all adults
• Social Security Cards or ITINs for you, your spouse, and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter.
• Birth dates for you, your spouse, and all dependents
• If you are married and filing jointly, your spouse must be present with you.
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-NECs from all employers
• Form 1095-A Health insurance marketplace information **A MUST if you have Marketplace Insurance
• Your IP Pin- Identity Protection Pin If you are enrolled in the IRS PIN program.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks, brokers, and student loan companies—Form 1099-INT,1099-DIV,1098-E or other forms received that indicate on the form that it is for tax purposes.
• If you or a dependent was in college or trade school working for a degree last tax year, bring the 1098-T from the university/school to see if you may qualify for an education credit. (Bring totals spent on books and required school supplies, if applicable)
• Savings or Checking account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check **Consider splitting your refund into two (2) accounts to save for an emergency
What should I bring to my tax appointment?
• A copy of the most recent prior year’s federal tax returns if available
• Valid Photo ID for all adults
• Social Security Cards or ITINs for you, your spouse, and dependents or a Social Security Number verification letter.
• Birth dates for you, your spouse, and all dependents
• If you are married and filing jointly, your spouse must be present with you.
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-NECs from all employers
• Form 1095-A Health insurance marketplace information **A MUST if you have Marketplace Insurance
• Your IP Pin- Identity Protection Pin If you are enrolled in the IRS PIN program.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks, brokers, and student loan companies—Form 1099-INT,1099-DIV,1098-E or other forms received that indicate on the form that it is for tax purposes.
• If you or a dependent was in college or trade school working for a degree last tax year, bring the 1098-T from the university/school to see if you may qualify for an education credit. (Bring totals spent on books and required school supplies, if applicable)
• Savings or Checking account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check **Consider splitting your refund into two (2) accounts to save for an emergency
- Total paid to daycare provider for each dependent, the business name, Employer Identification
•Number or Social Security Number, and address
• If self-employed: Complete proof of all income and expenses (see notes above)
Do I need to file?
•Yes, if you have low earned income, you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a free tax credit for certain people who work and have low wages.
• Yes, if you had income tax withheld from your wages, social security/retirement/pension income, or made quarterly estimated payments
• Yes, if you had Marketplace Health Insurance, make sure to bring your 1095A from Marketplace.
Do I need to file?
•Yes, if you have low earned income, you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC is a free tax credit for certain people who work and have low wages.
• Yes, if you had income tax withheld from your wages, social security/retirement/pension income, or made quarterly estimated payments
• Yes, if you had Marketplace Health Insurance, make sure to bring your 1095A from Marketplace.
What are Tax Credits?
Some people benefit from tax credits. Here are some examples of tax credits that can really make a difference on your return:
What are Tax Credits?
Some people benefit from tax credits. Here are some examples of tax credits that can really make a difference on your return:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Child Tax Credits Credits for Other Dependents American Opportunity Tax Credit Lifetime Learning Credit Child and Dependent Care Credit Retirement Savings Tax Credit How fast will I get my refund?
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Child Tax Credits Credits for Other Dependents American Opportunity Tax Credit Lifetime Learning Credit Child and Dependent Care Credit Retirement Savings Tax Credit How fast will I get my refund?
* The IRS tells us to expect the IRS to issue your refund in less than 21 calendar days after your tax return has been received. Direct deposit is quick, easy, secure, and the best way to receive your refund. But please don’t spend your refund until it is received--don’t rely on it being in your account by a certain date, it may take longer.
* The IRS tells us to expect the IRS to issue your refund in less than 21 calendar days after your tax return has been received. Direct deposit is quick, easy, secure, and the best way to receive your refund. But please don’t spend your refund until it is received--don’t rely on it being in your account by a certain date, it may take longer.
Get up to date refund information at:
Where's My Refund? *Per Congress...Refunds containing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) can’t be released by the IRS before Feb. 15 (and sometimes later)
Get up to date refund information at:
Where's My Refund? *Per Congress...Refunds containing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) can’t be released by the IRS before Feb. 15 (and sometimes later)
Should I wait to file if I know I will owe money?
No, you can file now and pay as late as April 15th. To avoid late filing fees, you should file even if you are going to be unable to pay your taxes. *The penalty for not filing on time can be 25% of your balance due added to your bill, plus interest—so make sure to file on time—even if you can’t pay!
Should I wait to file if I know I will owe money?
No, you can file now and pay as late as April 15th. To avoid late filing fees, you should file even if you are going to be unable to pay your taxes. *The penalty for not filing on time can be 25% of your balance due added to your bill, plus interest—so make sure to file on time—even if you can’t pay!
Is help available with prior year or amended tax returns?
Yes, just make sure to schedule an appointment and let us know what you need. You will need to schedule an appointment for each tax year you need to be prepared.
Is help available with prior year or amended tax returns?
Yes, just make sure to schedule an appointment and let us know what you need. You will need to schedule an appointment for each tax year you need to be prepared.
Who will complete the return?
Our VITA volunteers are IRS certified. Each site has an on-location site coordinator who performs a quality review check for accuracy prior to a return being filed.
Who will complete the return?
Our VITA volunteers are IRS certified. Each site has an on-location site coordinator who performs a quality review check for accuracy prior to a return being filed.
How many years back can I have my taxes done/amended?
Our program is able to complete taxes up to 3 (three) years back. We can complete 2020, 2021, and 2022 tax returns.
How many years back can I have my taxes done/amended?
Our program is able to complete taxes up to 3 (three) years back. We can complete 2020, 2021, and 2022 tax returns.
I claimed the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit on my tax return. When can I expect my refund?
According to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS is required to hold EITC and Child Tax Credit refunds until mid-February.
The IRS expects the earliest EITC/Child Tax Credit-related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or debit cards starting Feb. 22, 2023, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the tax return. Learn more HERE or visit www.IRS.gov
I claimed the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit on my tax return. When can I expect my refund?
According to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS is required to hold EITC and Child Tax Credit refunds until mid-February.
The IRS expects the earliest EITC/Child Tax Credit-related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or debit cards starting Feb. 22, 2023, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the tax return. Learn more HERE or visit www.IRS.gov
Can I receive my refund by direct deposit?
Yes. If you are eligible for a refund, you can arrange to have your refund deposited directly into your account. Bring a voided check or the routing number and account number.
Can I receive my refund by direct deposit?
Yes. If you are eligible for a refund, you can arrange to have your refund deposited directly into your account. Bring a voided check or the routing number and account number.
Can I receive my refund by mail instead of direct deposit?
Yes. If you are eligible for a refund, your volunteer will ask you for your current mailing address.
Can I receive my refund by mail instead of direct deposit?
Yes. If you are eligible for a refund, your volunteer will ask you for your current mailing address.