[X] Close

What's the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) is a national program providing free assistance to low income, elderly, limited English proficient and disabled individuals who require assistance in preparing their tax returns and cannot afford the services of a paid professional tax preparer.

The VITA Program is a valuable community asset as many taxpayers are in need of assistance in preparing and filing their returns. The complexities and the nature of tax law are obstacles that discourage and frustrate many low-income taxpayers' efforts to complete their own returns. In fact, many taxpayers who are entitled to refunds do not even file a tax return at all because they do not understand the various credits and deductions to which they may be entitled. Commercial tax preparers may be too costly an option for low-income taxpayers. This is where VITA comes into play. The many volunteers at the numerous, and easily accessible VITA sites throughout the nation, provide confidential and quality tax consultation to those in our communities who cannot afford to seek such assistance elsewhere. In addition, the ability of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), in conjunction with VITA free tax preparation, to benefit the low income, elderly, limited English proficiency and disabled families is tremendous. Many families eligible for the EITC do not claim the credit. Recent surveys indicate the percentage of families that fail to claim the credit to be as high as 15% to 25%. The EITC credits that go unclaimed by low-income workers represent millions of dollars of lost revenue. These millions of dollars of unclaimed EITC credits would otherwise be spent on the economy in these communities. The EITC is a special tax benefit for working people who earn low or moderate incomes. It has been called the federal government's most successful anti-poverty program. The EITC is the second largest program that provides assistance to low-income families and lifts more children out of poverty than any other social program in the country. The purpose of the EITC is to reduce the tax burden on workers, to supplement wages of low and moderate-income workers, and to make work more attractive than welfare. Workers with two or more children can qualify for more than $5,600 in EITC benefits depending upon their level of income.

The EITC supports the self-sufficiency goals of welfare reform. Only families that work are eligible to receive the credit and the amount of the credit depends on a family's labor market earnings. Because the credit provides additional income to working families, it enhances the incentive to work.

For tax year 2009, taxpayers qualify for VITA if they make less than $50,000.

[X] Close

Why is VITA Important?

VITA is important because it gives EITC money back to those that need it the most. EITC helps people pay bills, feed and clothe families, make down payments on homes, pay for educations and start businesses. It provides more revenue to cities where EITC is spent, which in turn allows the city to improve its services.

[X] Close

How Much is the EITC Credit?

For tax year 2009, an individual without children can receive up to $450, $3,000 for one qualifying child, and $5,600 for two or more qualifying children. Please visit the IRS website to find out how to qualify for EITC.

[X] Close

Why Should I Have my Refund Direct-Deposited? Why Shouldn't I Just use Refund Anticipation Loans?

Based on information from the National Consumer Law Center Inc., taxpayers that use refund anticipation loans pay $75 in order to receive their refund right now. In addition, those loans can charge annual percentage rates of about 60% to over 700%.

On the other hand, a taxpayer can file their taxes electronically, and with direct deposit, can have their refund in 7 - 10 business days for FREE!

[X] Close

What Should I Bring With Me to the VITA Site?

1. You must bring photo identification
2. Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents
3. Birth Dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return
4. Current year’s tax package if you received one
5. Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
6. Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
7. A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available
8. Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit
9. Other relevant information about income and expenses
10. Total Paid for Day Care
11. Day Care providers Identifying number

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

It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security Number (SSN). The most accurate information is usually located on your original Social Security card. Each year hundreds of thousands of returns are delayed in processing, or credit/deductions are disallowed because names and Social Security Numbers do not match Social Security Administration records. To prevent processing delays in paper returns and rejected electronically filed returns, volunteers check the accuracy of each Social Security Number, as well as the spelling of the name associated with the number. If you do not have a Social Security Number for you or a dependent, you should complete Form SS-5, Social Security Number Application. This form should be submitted to the nearest Social Security Administration Office.

If you or your dependent is not eligible to get a Social Security Number, you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

[X] Close

How Do I Sign up for VITA's Services?

Utah residents can dial 2-1-1 and set an appointment for the VITA site nearest you OR find a walk-in site in your area. (link to Find a Site)

Can the Volunteers be Trusted? Are They Trained?

[X] Close

All volunteers can be trusted. They are screened and trained by the IRS. Each volunteer must complete detailed training and pass a test before they can start preparing taxes.

Volunteers don't hold on to any of your personal information. Any paper generated during the preparation process is shredded on site. Electronic information is immediately forwarded on to the IRS and State Tax Commission. Nothing is kept on the computers. Taxpayers are allowed to keep their documentation for their records.

[X] Close

Who Funds Earn it. Keep it. Save it. and the VITA Program?

VITA is primarily funded by the United Way of Salt Lake, the Utah Department of Community and Culture, and the Internal Revenue Service Grant Program Office through Community Action Partnership of Utah. However it is through a variety of groups and organizations that VITA is possible. Organizations donate their time, space, and volunteers. These organizations include AAA Fair Credit Foundation, American Express, Brigham Young University, Westminster College, Zions Bank, Utah State University Extension Center, Salt Lake County, Ogden-Weber Community Action Program, and AARP, just to name a few. Visit our partner page to see a complete list. (Link to partner page).

[X] Close

Who Might Qualify for VITA?

• Households making less than $50,000 a year
• Students
• Retired seniors
• Single-parent families
• Service workers
• Teachers
• Government workers
• Military Personnel

Click here to visit our Do I Qualify Page

[X] Close

The American Opportunity Credit

This tax credit, also known as the Hope Credit, is worth up to $2,500 of the cost of tuition and related expenses paid during taxable years 2009 and 2010. Taxpayers may receive a credit based on 100 percent of the first $2,000 of tuition and related expenses (including textbooks) paid during the taxable year and 25 percent of the next $2,000 of tuition and related expenses paid during the taxable year. The law also increases the credit to be claimed to four post-secondary education years instead of two. Forty percent of the credit will be refundable for most taxpayers. Click here to view the IRS flyer.

[X] Close

Energy Efficiency

The new law increases the energy tax credit for homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their existing homes. The credit applies to improvements such as adding insulation, energy efficient exterior windows and energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems. Click here to view the IRS flyer.

[X] Close

Home Purchase

Homebuyers who purchase in 2009 can get a credit of up to $8,000 with no payback requirement. Click here to view the IRS flyer.

[X] Close

Making Work Pay

This tax credit means more take-home pay for many Americans. To make sure enough tax is withheld from their pay, taxpayers can use the IRS withholding calculator. See Making Work Pay for more. It is very important that people with more than one job or married couples who both work check to make sure they are having enough withholding. Click here to view the IRS flyer.

[X] Close

New Vehicle

This tax credit allows taxpayers to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase of new cars, light trucks, motor homes and motorcycles. This deduction is available on purchases made from Feb. 17, 2009, through Dec. 31, 2009. The deduction is limited to the taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price. Click here to view the IRS flyer.

[X] Close

What do the Volunteers do?

There are many types of volunteers needed for this year, depending on your location. Volunteers are needed to prepare and file the taxes (VITA Volunteers), greet taxpayers when they come in, provide some basic financial counseling, transmit tax forms, and interpret. Follow the links below to find volunteer opportunities in your area. Click here for volunteer opportunities in your area.

[X] Close

Do I have to be a financial genius to volunteer?

Absolutely not! These tax forms will be very easy, AND the IRS will provide FREE TRAINING! All you need is a friendly attitude and the ability to enter information into a computer. Any volunteer over the age of 18 is welcome. In addition, you will get to use your tax return for practice. So, you will be able to have access to free preparation and filing as well.

[X] Close

Do I get any training for this?

Of course! The IRS will provide detailed training on this. After the training, you will be required to complete a test. Most training will be done at home or online. Training starts soon - classes will start in November for Utah volunteers. Any additional training will be conducted in January, and is usually held on a Saturday.

[X] Close

How complicated will the tax forms be?

Almost all of your tax forms will be 1040-EZ. The IRS will explain exactly what types of forms will be involved, and will explain how to handle each one. Anyone that brings in complicated taxes will be referred to another location. The IRS will go into more detail with you on this.

[X] Close

Where are volunteers needed?

There are a variety of sites scattered all over Utah and Idaho. For the sites nearest you, please call the numbers listed below, or contact the VITA volunteer coordinators. UTAH: 211

[X] Close

What times am I expected to volunteer?

Most sites are open during the evenings after work and on the weekends. Weekend hours vary depending on the site. Most sites close by 5 on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays.

[X] Close

What type of computer programs do I use?

You will use Tax Wise, a computer-based program provided by the IRS. You will save the tax information on a disk and provide a paper copy to the taxpayers for their records. At the end of your shift, you will hand the disk over to the site coordinator, who will then transmit the documents to the IRS.

[X] Close

Do I need to be bilingual? What languages are needed?

It's not necessary for you to be bilingual. However, there is a great need for volunteers that can speak Spanish. Other languages are also welcome.

[X] Close

Who do I contact to volunteer?

A list of contacts is provided below. Please either call or email the one that's recruiting for the area you're interested in. State Contact Utah Dial 2-1-1 or www.utahtaxhelp.org

[X] Close

How many hours do volunteers have to work?

Volunteer hours will vary, depending on your schedule. You will be asked to work at least one three-hour shift per week. You will need to talk to your site coordinator to determine how many nights or weekends you will be asked to work. VITA sites are open in the evening and on Saturdays. Some may even be open on Sundays. Your site coordinator will work with you on determining what days you will work.