TAX ASSISTANCE

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VITA)

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The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $67,000 or less a year. Tax returns are prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified volunteers for qualified individuals or families. Tax preparation is available year-round. Our tax preparer can assist with general tax information, tax preparation, and filing, along with ITIN applications and renewals.

VITA Sites open February 2, 2024. All sites are walk-in only unless otherwise noted. Volunteers stop taking new clients an hour before closing time. 

For more information on eligibility, filing, or participation in the program, please view the information below. 

Interested in volunteering as a tax preparer, reviewer, or greeter for the following tax season? Click Here

 

ELIGIBILITY
  • You must have a 2023 household income of $67,000 or less.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LIST
  • Proof of identification (driver’s license, state photo ID or other government issued identification that includes a photo)
  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents 
    • Note: If you need to request a replacement card or update your Social Security record, go to Social Security number & card to find the best way to do this.
    • 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
  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
  • Social Security Benefit Statements (SSA-1099), if applicable
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • 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
  • Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Check below for the most up to date schedule of VITA sites. Site hours are subject to change. 
  • Make sure you have all of the required documents listed. 
 

 


 

AVAILABLE SITES AND INFORMATION:

United Way of Santa Barbara County 

Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 1-4pm (AARP)

Saturdays | 9am-1pm

320 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101

 

Eastside Library 

Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 3-7pm

1102 E Montecito St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

 

Transition House 

Every other Wednesday starting February 14 | 4-7pm

2/14, 2/28, 3/13, 3/27, 4/10

425 E Cota St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

 

SBCC Schott Center

Mondays & Thursdays | 4-7pm

310 W Padre St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Mondays: Room 20

Thursdays: Room 5

Goleta Valley Community Center (AARP)

Fridays | 9am-12pm; 1-4pm

5679 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA 93117

 

UC Santa Barbara

Saturdays | 9am-3pm

UC Santa Barbara, Phelps Hall, Room 1517

Appointments Only: Schedule an Appointment (ucsbvita.com)

 

Carpinteria Children's Project

March 16 & April 13 | 9am-2pm

5201 8th St., Carpinteria, CA 93013

Family Resource Center Room 310

Appointments AND Walk-Ins Accepted: https://calendly.com/vita24/ccp 

 

People Helping People

March 23 | 9am-2pm

545 Alisal Rd. #102, Solvang, CA 93463

Appointments AND Walk-Ins Accepted: https://calendly.com/vita24/php 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 

IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

Current Volunteer Opportunities: 

Tax Preparers  |  Tax Reviewers  | Greeters

Click here to view available positions and additional volunteer information.

 

Self-paced online trainings available or virtual trainings are scheduled for the following days:

  • Saturday, January 6, 2024 | 9:00AM - 1:00PM
  • Saturday, January 13, 2024 | 9:00AM - 1:00PM
  • Saturday, January 20, 2024 | 9:00AM - 1:00PM
  • Saturday, January 27, 2024 |9:00AM - 1:00PM (optional in-person training)
For questions, please contact Yoseline Gonzalez at ygonzalez@unitedwaysb.org or (805) 965-8594. 

 

Self-filing is a good option for tax filers who are filing a current year tax return (2021), are comfortable using online tax software and want to learn how to file on their own, and who have earned less than $73,000 in 2021. 

The purpose of this guide is to walk you through the process of filing your taxes from beginning to end with free tax filing software provided by MyFreeTaxes.org. A video tutorial is also available here (a video version in ASL is available here).

Click here for the complete guide for self-filing.

For any special accommodations and or questions about the program, please email: ygonzalez@unitedwaysb.org