The health and well-being of our community is United Way of Tarrant County’s highest priority. In regard to the rapidly changing environment and out of an abundance of caution due to COVID-19, we are closing our Tarrant County VITA sites for two weeks starting Monday, March 16. Our current plan is to re-open the sites on Monday, March 30. We will, of course, be constantly monitoring the circumstances in case we need to re-evaluate this plan.

 

United Way of Tarrant County provides FREE income tax preparation assistance at its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free Tax Centers. With multiple locations, low-income working individuals and families have the opportunity to receive help with their taxes.

For many years, our successful program has helped Tarrant County residents with financial stability and resiliency. For example:

We have filed over 50,000 tax returns since 2009

We have secured more than $100 million in total refunds, in the past ten years

We helped file 9,274 returns in 2019

We secured over $16 million in tax refunds last year

FILE YOUR TAXES

Anyone or any household with income less than $58,000

Below is a list of items you will need to file your income tax:

  • 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 2018
  • SSA-1099, 1099-R and 1099-G
  • Cash income amount and work expenses
  • 1095 health coverage form
  • Direct deposit information

Below are resources in the event you do not have the needed items:

Photo ID. Any government-issued ID. A driver’s license can be obtained from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Don’t have a Social Security card? Order one here. You can find additional information about your ITIN here.

Copy of last year’s tax return. If you do not have your previous tax return, you can get your free transcripts immediately online. You also can get them by phone, by mail or by fax within five to 10 days from the time IRS receives your request. Find out more information here.

W-2. A W-2 shows your wage-earning information and is usually mailed or emailed to you. If you haven’t received your W-2 by January 31, please contact the HR person at your company.

SSA-1099, 1099-R and 1099-G. Visit www.ssa.gov or twc.state.tx.us.

Cash Income Amount and Work Expenses. Visit www.irs.gov for more information.

1095 Health Coverage Form. If you are enrolled through www.HealthCare.gov, this is the form that shows your household Marketplace plan. Learn how to access it here.

Direct Deposit Information. Please bring your bank account and routing number information. These can be found at the bottom of your check or deposit slip that is linked to the account you want to use. You also can find this through your banking app or online account, or you can call your bank for the information.

We offer our participants not only free tax preparation, we also help with:

  • Enrolling for financial education and coaching
  • Developing skills for the workforce
  • English Second Language (ESL) & GED
FIND A VITA LOCATIONFIND A VITA LOCATION

VOLUNTEER FOR VITA

Our volunteers are essential to our mission. Last year, VITA volunteers gave over 8,500 hours during tax season. If you are a VITA volunteer, we will train you on how to file tax returns, or we have other opportunities for involvement in the VITA program, including:

Greeters help participants by welcoming them to the site and overseeing sign-in. They also ensure families and individuals are directed to the correct area.

Interpreters provide free interpretation and translation services to customers who are not fluent in English or may need assistance. In order to volunteer, interpreters need to attend training.

Intake specialists greet and screen all taxpayers to ensure that they have necessary information and documentation required to complete a tax return. In addition, intake specialists explain the VITA packet to each taxpayer and assist them in completing information. Intake specialist are required to attend a one-hour training session.

Tax preparers help with simple tax returns. After the quality review process is complete, they discuss the tax return with the taxpayer. Tax preparers are required to attend IRS tax training and complete certification.

We offer multiple incentives such as a year-end volunteer appreciation party, tickets for sporting events, gift cards and recognition for the Volunteer of the Month.

REGISTER TO VOLUNTEERREGISTER TO VOLUNTEER