TAX ASSISTANCE

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VITA)

The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $66,000 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 15, 2021 through April 9, 2021.

Due to COVID-19 and for the safety of our volunteers, staff and community, VITA will be operating remotely. Taxpayers can drop off their tax information (see required documents list below) at secure drop-off locations during designated times. Once tax payer information is received, a VITA volunteer will schedule a time with the taxpayer to review documents and begin the tax return before submitting to the IRS.

For more information on eligibility, filing or volunteering for the program, please select a tab below.

FILING TAXES

ELIGIBILITY

You must have a 2020 household income of $66,000 or less.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LIST

Copy of 2019 federal and state tax returns
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
Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
2020 W-2, 1099 and 1098 for all jobs
Bank routing and account numbers
All forms for 1095 Health Insurance statements
Bring a pen

INSTRUCTIONS

Gather all documents from the following 'Required Documents' list.
Bring documents to a drop-off location. Documents WILL NOT be accepted outside of scheduled drop-off times.
A IRS-certified volunteer will contact you within one week of drop off to review your documents.
Couples filing jointly must both be present when dropping off documents and on the review call.

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.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Police Activities League - Starting Feb 16, 2021
- 1235 Chapala St., Santa Barbara
- MASKS ARE REQUIRED
- Days/Times: Tuesday and Wednesday, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
- This location is only accepting 25 applications per day

United Way - Starting Feb 18, 2021
- 320 E Gutierrez Street., Santa Barbara
- Please line up behind the building. MASKS ARE REQUIRED
- Days/Times: Monday and Thursday 9:00am - 1:00pm
- This location is only accepting 15 applications per day

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VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VITA)

ELIGIBILITY

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LIST

INSTRUCTIONS

COVID-19 GUIDELINES AT DROP OFF LOCATIONS

DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Prepare Your Taxes Now with MyFreeTaxes.com!

Visit myfreetaxes.com today!

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

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

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

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