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 will take place from February - May,  2022.

Volunteers will see between 20-25 clients a day depending on volunteer availability. We serve clients on a first come first serve basis. 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? Click here. 

ELIGIBILITY
  • You must have a 2020 household income of $67,000 or less.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LIST
  • Copy of prior year federal and state tax returns for years to be done: (2018 for 2019, 2019 for 2020, 2020 for 2021)
  • Copy of photo ID and spouse's if filing jointly (driver license or passport)
  • Copy of Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer ID Numbers (ITIN) for each family member
  • For married filing jointly, both spouses must be present to review tax return and sign return
  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
  • 2020 W-2, 1099 and 1098 for all years tax returns to be done
  • Bank routing and account numbers (if using direct deposit)
  • All forms for 1095 Health Insurance statements
  • Bring a pen
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Check the website 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. 
COVID-19 GUIDELINES AT DROP OFF LOCATIONS 
  • Masks are required at ALL times.
  • When standing in line, please maintain a 6 foot distance from others. 

VITA SITES AVAILABLE: FEBRUARY 2 - APRIL 15, 2022

 

AVAILABLE SITES AND INFORMATION:

United Way of Santa Barbara County                                        

Drop off/Pick-up times                                           

  • Tuesdays & Wednesday 1-4pm (AARP Tax Aid)                         
  • Saturdays 9am- 1pm
  • 320 E. Gutierrez                                               

                             

 

Goleta Valley Community Center                                        

Drop off/Pick-up times                     

  • Fridays 9am -12pm & 1- 4pm                
  • 5679 Hollister Ave
  • (AARP Tax Aid) 

 

Eastside Library                                          

Drop off/Pick-up times                                           

  • Tuesdays & Wednesday 4-7pm                            
  • 1102 E. Montecito St.    

 

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

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 8, 2022 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM
  • Saturday, January 15, 2022 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM
  • Saturday, January 22, 2022 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM
  • Saturday, January 29, 2022 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM
For questions, please contact Yoseline Gonzalez at ygonzalez@unitedwaysb.org or (805) 965-8594. 

 

Clients must wear masks at ALL sites.

For the safety of clients and volunteers, clients will drop off tax information and volunteers will prepare and file returns remotely. Clients will be alerted when their tax return is complete and available for pick up.

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

 

 

You may be eligible for the Golden State Stimulus!

California is helping families that faced economic hardship due to COVID-19 through the Golden State Stimulus.  This one time funding  of up to $1,200 is available to those who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit or those with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they earn less than $75,000.

Claim it before October 15th by filing  your taxes. File for FREE at https://bit.ly/MFTORG 

More information about the Golden State Stimulus can be found at: https://bit.ly/GSSFTB 

 

You may qualify for California's Earned Income Tax Credit!

The California Earned Income Tax Credit is a cashback tax credit that puts money back in the pocket of hardworking Californians. ITIN holders are now eligible for this credit!

Get up to $8,000 back on your taxes! 

Click here to learn more

Want to know if you qualify for federal or state benefits?

Visit app.benefitkitchen.com to find out!

Have kids under six years old? Get an extra $1,000.

The Young Child Tax Credit kicks in with the first dollar you make. ITIN holders are now eligible for this credit!

Click here to learn more about YCTC

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