vita

Who qualifies for VITA? 

VITA sites offer free income tax preparation for individuals who, generally, make less than $56,000 annually, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who are in need of assistance.

VITA SITES 

VITA sites will be open on a regular basis throughout the 2020 tax season. An updated list of sites will be published in January 2020. You will need an appointment for the site of your choice which can be done by DIALING 2-1-1.

What should I bring with me?

• Photo ID (both spouses, if joint return)
• Social Security Card or ITIN for each person to be claimed 
• W2, 1099 form, 1098 form, and/or social security income statements for all income
• End of the year retirement plan statements (401K, IRA, etc.)
• Child care provider name, address and tax ID number
• Record of expenses (child care, education, medical, dental, etc.)
• For direct deposit, a blank check with an account and routing number
• Homeowners: Hazard Insurance Declaration page for LA Citizens Credit
• Last year's tax return, if you have it
• Receipts for charitable donations, business expenses, etc.
• 1095a Health Insurance Marketplace Statements if you have them

My Free Taxes

In addition to VITA, United Way of Southwest Louisiana is proud to partner with MyFreeTaxes.com to bring Southwest Louisiana a simple, FREE way to file income taxes. If you make less than $66,000 annually, simply gather your documents, click the banner below, click the "File for Free" button, make an account and get started on your FREE tax self-preparation!

Volunteers needed for VITA

United Way of Southwest Louisiana is recruiting volunteers to help hard-working individuals and families in our community with their income tax preparation. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax help to qualifying residents of Southwest Louisiana. 

Training sessions will begin in November for the 2019-2020 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Southwest Louisiana.

The training sessions will include information on Link and Learn and training on TaxSlayer, the program used by the volunteer tax preparers to file clients' tax returns for free. No experience is necessary. Training will be given by an IRS-certified instructor and all materials are provided.