Who Qualifies for Free Tax Prep?

• Income Limits: Individuals and families generally earning under the standard IRS VITA threshold.
• Seniors: Older adults seeking specialized counseling under the TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) program, which focuses on pensions, retirement, and senior-specific tax issues.
• Accessibility Needs: Individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities.
• Language Support: Limited English-speaking taxpayers who require trusted assistance navigating English tax forms.

📋 Comprehensive Intake Checklist: What to Bring

To ensure your return is processed accurately and electronically filed on the same day, you must bring the following documents to your appointment:

1. Identification & Security (Mandatory)

• Valid, government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID) for yourself and your spouse.
• Original Social Security Cards or ITIN assignment letters for every individual listed on the tax return, including all dependents (copies or digital pictures are generally not accepted by the IRS).
• Birth dates for yourself, your spouse, and all dependents.

2. Income Documentation

• All W-2 Forms from all employers worked for during the tax year.
• All 1099 Forms:
  • Form 1099-R: For pensions, annuities, or retirement plan distributions.
  • Form 1099-INT / 1099-DIV: For bank interest and dividends.
  • Form 1099-SSA: For Social Security benefits.
  • Form 1099-NEC / 1099-MISC: For independent contractors, gig workers, or self-employed individuals.
• Any other documentation showing cash income, gambling winnings, or miscellaneous receipts.

3. Health Insurance & Expenses

• Form 1095-A: If you or anyone in your household purchased health insurance through the Healthcare Marketplace (Obamacare). Note: We cannot file your taxes without this form if you had Marketplace insurance.
• Total amounts paid for childcare or dependent care, including the provider’s official Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number, plus their business address.
• Education expenses (Form 1098-T) and student loan interest statements, if applicable.

4. Direct Deposit & Prior Records

• Fastest Refund Method: A voided check or an official bank document showing your Routing Number and Account Number. This ensures your tax refund is securely deposited directly into your bank account, skipping the weeks-long delay of a paper check.
• A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available.

🔒 Security & Quality Standards

The IRS Quality Guarantee: Our site operates under strict IRS Quality Site Requirements. Every tax return prepared under our VITA/TCE program undergoes a Quality Review by a second certified tax professional before it is transmitted. Furthermore, our electronic filing software uses industry-standard encryption protocols to protect your personal information.

Ready to File?

Have Questions?

Contact our VITA/TCE program coordinator at [email protected].