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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
Champion Sponsor
Trailblazer Sponsor
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a cornerstone program of United Way that can be instrumental in helping individuals and families in their journey to financial stability.
This free tax preparation service is available to low-to-moderate income wage earners earning $67,000 or less. Clients often include minimum-wage earners, those who may be homeless, self-employed, and the elderly or people with disabilities.
IRS-certified volunteers provide basic return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
VITA provides a safe alternative to high-free tax preparation services and predatory lenders offering expensive refund anticipation loans. VITA sites help many working families access valuable tax credits, such as Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits.
VITA Schedule:
VITA Services Availability:
- Start Date: February 17th, 2025
- End Date: April 7th, 2025
Drop-off Schedule:
- Mondays: 1 pm - 3 pm
- Thursdays: 9 am - 11 am
Drop-off Location:
- United Way Galveston County Mainland, 2800 Texas Avenue, Texas City, TX 77590
Please call (409) 948-4211 for more information.
General Information and FAQ
VITA services will be available starting on February 17th, 2025. Clients can drop off their documents and complete intake on Mondays from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm and Thursdays between 9:00 am and 11:00 am.
We encourage drop-offs as the preferred method to ensure everyone gets timely assistance. Appointments should be reserved for clients with complex returns or with lots of questions.
For our Spanish-speaking clients, we recommend dropping off your materials on Mondays when our Interpreter is available.
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VITA prepares only Form 1040, Individual tax returns. No partnership or corporate returns prepared.
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Individuals with a valid physical copy of their ID and Social Security Cards for every person on their return.
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Individuals whose annual household income was less than $60,000
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Individuals who are NOT filing Married Filing Separate returns
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Individuals who are NOT filing a Schedule SE (Form 1099) with reported business loss, deducting a home office, keeping an inventory for their business, paying employees, and/or have more than $25,000 in total business expenses
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
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Physical proof of valid identification (driver's license, state photo ID or other government issued identification that includes a photo) for the taxpayer (and spouse if married filing joint return).
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To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.
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Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents listed on the return.
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Birth dates for the taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents listed on the return.
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Copy of all income statements: W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, and 1099-MISC, Social Security Benefits Statement, and/or other sources of income.
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A copy of last year’s federal return (if you filed). Important if you received or qualify for Earned Income Credit.
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Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099). *
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Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit or direct debit, such as a voided check. *
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Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number. *
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Documentation of higher education costs on Tuition Statement Form (Forms 1098-T) and receipts for educational materials (books, equipment, room, and board, etc.). *
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Forms 1095-A, B, and C, Health Coverage Statements, if applicable.*
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Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state *
*Required if applicable
Disclaimer: Our volunteers withhold the right to refuse preparation services if the above requirements are not met or if any required documents are not provided at the time of your appointment.