FREE Tax Preparation for the Latino Community 

What is VITA?

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

  • People who generally make $57,000 or less

  • Persons with disabilities; and

  • Limited English-speaking taxpayers 

How does VITA work?

While the IRS manages the VITA. Sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

VITA services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes:

  • maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.

  • requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws,

  • the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing.

“There have been some recent changes to tax laws that may benefit and affect our community. It’s important that the community have options and access to services related to these changes and that is where VITA can play an important role.”
— Yuly Rodriguez, Directora, VITA Latino e Iniciativas de Latinas de Common Wealth Charlotte