What is VITA?
VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and is a nationwide IRS program that offers FREE tax preparation assistance to people who generally make $64,000 or less, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and English/Spanish speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. United Way of Stanislaus County partners with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide this free service to residents of Stanislaus County. Tax preparation services are provided by trained, IRS-certified volunteers. All locations are IRS-authorized e-file providers.
Who qualifies for VITA free tax preparation?
Eligibility for free tax filing
Income $64,000 or less
No rental income (from a property you own)
Did not file for bankruptcy last year
Had no cancellation of debt outside of non-business credit cards
No clergy income
If married, are filing jointly
If self-employed, no business-related expenses over $35,000 or businesses with employees, inventory, business property, net loss, or depreciating assets.
No sales of cryptocurrency
How can I find a VITA site?
United Way of Stanislaus County’s VITA program is located in Modesto at 422 McHenry Avenue. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled at myfreetaxes.org For other locations, call 211 or 1-877-211-7826 or text your zip code to 898211 to speak to a specialist who can direct you to a site nearest you.
Items to bring to your appointment:
Proof of identification (photo ID)
Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
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
Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
All Forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements
Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
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
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
Self Preparation
Free self-preparation will be available if your annual income is $64,000 or less. Appointments will be announced soon!
Cal EITC
