FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 13, 2023) — With tax season underway, United Way of Tarrant County announces the opening of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) locations in Tarrant County where qualifying residents can get their taxes filed for free.
Annually, an estimated 4,000 households across Tarrant County use VITA’s free tax preparation services, which are available to families and individuals with household incomes of $60,000 or less. VITA’s IRS-certified volunteers assist taxpayers in claiming valuable tax credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to maximize their refund potential.
“VITA helps Tarrant County families keep the money owed to them and brings millions of dollars back into our community resulting in more sales tax revenue for our cities,” said Regina R. Williams, executive vice president of Community Investment and chief impact officer. “This program has been essential for local families with limited means, yet currently only 8% of eligible households use this service.”
For the past 13 years, VITA volunteers have prepared more than 80,000 returns, secured more than $149 million in tax refunds to Tarrant County families and our community and saved them over $20 million in tax preparation fees.
Five VITA sites are currently open with five more to open in the weeks ahead. A mobile VITA tax site will be available at three Fort Worth Public Library locations. Find tax center locations at www.unitedwaytarrant.org/vita. Tax centers are open through April 29.
Below is a list of items needed to file an income tax return through VITA:
- Photo ID
- Original Social Security card or ITIN for everyone listed on the tax return
- Copy of last year’s tax return
- All W-2 wage statements for 2022
- SSA-1099, 1099-R and 1099-G
- Cash income amount and work expenses
- 1095 health coverage form
- Direct deposit information
Volunteer Opportunities Available
United Way of Tarrant County also seeks volunteers for the 2023 tax season. Volunteers do not need prior experience. UWTC provides full training for all positions. Tax certification classes are free.
For more information on the VITA volunteer program, visit unitedwaytarrant.org/give-help/volunteer/vita-volunteers.
Generous support for VITA in our area comes from U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, Southside Bank, Capital One, the Amon G. Carter Foundation, the Santander Consumer USA Foundation, Charles Schwab & Co. and the Wells Fargo Foundation.
About United Way of Tarrant County
United Way of Tarrant County brings people together to build strong communities where everyone thrives. As a nonprofit leader, we help communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, financial stability, and health resources. In the past two years, we have doubled our impact, helping more than 550,000 people through our resources. We celebrated our 100th anniversary in 2022 and are ready to serve Tarrant County for years to come.
Contact:
Deanna W. Titzler
United Way of Tarrant County
817-258-8025