UNITED WAY OF UTAH COUNTY

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) can help you file your taxes securely for free.

Each year when we file [with VITA], we get a little more ahead of our debts, a little more secure on our feet, and a little more at ease in our lives. -VITA Client

The 2023 VITA Tax Season has now ended. If you have questions, please email vita@unitedwayuc.org.

VITA Overview

VITA can help file taxes for individuals and families who earn $64,000 a year or less.

We file: W-2, W-2G, 1099, 1098-T, SSA-1099,1099-R, 1099-Misc, and more.

Please call 2-1-1 for questions about what forms we can file. 

Appointment for amendments and back-taxes are available on an as needed basis.

What do I need for my appointment?

*Proof of Identification (Photo ID)

*Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents  (ITIN’s acceptable)

*Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers

*Bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit (ex: a blank check)

A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available

Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements

Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

See FAQ’s below for additional details.

Additional Tax Help

Looking to do you own taxes? Check out MyFreeTaxes! This is a FREE, online, self-preparation tax program sponsored by United Way! Click the button below to get started.
If you have tax questions beyond filing and amending, the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic is a free service that can help with collection issues, non-resident tax returns, applications for ITIN’s, etc. Please visit their website below to learn more.

How can I volunteer?

No financial experience is necessary to become a VITA volunteer but you will need to become IRS certified. All training is provided by United Way of Utah County to help you pass the open-book test. Please email janaw@unitedwayuc.org to learn more.

FAQ

For any VITA appointment, please bring:

  • Proof of identification (photo ID)
  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents 
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
  • Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable

Each year, volunteers help local families prepare their tax returns for free through United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Thanks to their efforts, over 5 million dollars is brought back to struggling Utah County households each year. Additionally, providing free tax help allows families to save an average of $300 they would have spent on paid tax preparation.

Half of all VITA clients make $15,000 or less annually. This means that for many of our clients, their tax refunds are the largest lump-sum payment they will receive all year. Families use this essential income to pay rent, utilities, student loans, transportation costs, and many other necessary household expenses.

Thanks to VITA volunteers, these families are able to move forward on the path toward financial stability and self-sufficiency.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax benefit for working people who earn lower or moderate incomes. If you qualify, the tax credit lowers the amount of taxes you are required to pay. It is refundable, which means that if the credit is worth more than you owe, you get the rest of the money back in your tax refund. See if you qualify at Tax Help Utah

To find local food, rent, utilities or healthcare assistance programs, call 2-1-1 or visit 211utah.org