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Find Free Help Today

Leave it up to the pros to file your taxes for Free

IRS-Certified VITA Volunteers are available to file your taxes

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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

VITA services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing. 

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VITA locations, addresses, phone numbers, and required documents are listed below.

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Additional Support to Get Ahead
Family Outside School

Your Money

Many VITA providers offer more than tax services - like food pantries, afterschool programs, and financial coaching.

Visit Your Money for more information about the programs and services to help you help you get ahead. 

Couple Reviewing Documents
Low Income Tax Clinic
If you need help you with resolving a federal tax issue with the help from the Low Income Tax Clinic program. The program can help you understand a notice that you received from the IRS, negotiate or remove IRS debt, and resolve other issues with the IRS. Visit LITC for free help with your IRS issue.
Volunteers Joining Hands
Become a VITA Volunteer
We are currently seeking new volunteers to support the VITA program. Learn a new skill while helping your community. It is also a great way to meet new people.
Free training is also available. Visit the Volunteer page to learn more.
Locate Free Tax Help in Your Community

What Forms You Need to Bring

 

Gathering all your tax documents ensures an accurate return and fast refund!

 

Click to download and print this list in English or Spanish


It is required that you bring all the following tax-related documents to your tax appointment:​

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  • All taxpayers must be present with valid photo identification.

  • Social Security cards or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) letters for all the people you list on your return

  • Birthdates for all the people you list on your return.

  • All income statements, such as Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security and unemployment compensation, as well as other statements such as pensions, stocks, interest, and any documents showing taxes withheld.

  • If you were paid overtime or tips, bring your last paystub from 2025.

  • If you are self-employed or make cash, collect records of all your income and expenses.

  • All records of other expenses such as tuition, student loan interest, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes on Form 1098.

  • If you purchased insurance coverage through Covered California, Form 1095-A Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.

  • Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund.

  • Identity theft protection PIN issued by the IRS - if applicable

  • Copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns - not required, but it is helpful.

 

Returns that are considered Out-of-Scope

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We are not able to assist you if any of the following apply:

  • Incomes more than $70,000

  • Married Filing Separately returns (If you are legally married and file alone - you may be a Married Filing Separate taxpayer -

       this is out of scope and we will not be able to assist you).

  • Self-employed or cash income with certain deductions:

    • Taking expenses with no proof (receipts, documented mileage, etc. are required).

    • Business-related expenses over $20,000.

    • Have a loss.

    • Businesses with employees, inventory, or business property.

    • Returns for companies and/or businesses.

Self-employed taxpayers may benefit from seeing a paid preparer take deductions with no proof or cannot substantiate.
 

  • Canceled debt income (Forms 1099C and 1099A) for foreclosures or short sales.

  • Handwritten tax documents (W-2, 1099, 1098, etc.).

  • Returns for visitors, such as “F,” “J,” “M,” or “Q” visas, that require a 1040NR tax return.

  • Rental Income or income from Airbnb.

  • Foreign Income.

  • Royalty Income.

  • Partnership or income from an LLC (Form K-1).​

  • Sale of stocks with more than 20 sales. Please, see a paid preparer.​

 

Forms that WE DO NOT NEED (These are nontaxable):

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

  • Child Support.

  • Veterans Benefit.

  • Life insurance when someone passes.

  • Settlements not related to a job or employment.

  • CalFresh or food assistance.

  • CalWorks or welfare cash assistance from the county.

  • Inheritance, gifts, or bequests.

  • Alimony for divorces after 2018.

  • Money from an academic scholarship is not taxable.

    • However, if you use the money for room and board, or use it to pay other personal expenses, that portion is normally taxable.

  • Health insurance from an employer or county (Forms 1095B and 1095C).

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