VITA

FINANCIAL STABILITY PROGRAM IN VENICE, ENGLEWOOD AND NORTH PORT

As part of the Financial Stability Program for South Sarasota County, United Way South Sarasota County supports FREE tax preparation assistance and education regarding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) at three locations in South County.

WHAT IS VITA? VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

Every year, thousands of low-to-moderate income households are missing out on valuable tax credits during tax season - money that can have a huge impact in their lives. Fortunately, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) assists these individuals with navigating complex rules to maximize refunds and provides FREE tax preparation services that can help families make ends meet. 

VITA is an IRS program that utilizes IRS-certified volunteers to help provide free and accurate tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income taxpayers. VITA has been instrumental in helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households receive thousands of dollars in additional refunds. 

VITA PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY, REQUIRED DOCUMENTS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION

You are eligible for our VITA basic tax preparation services if you are an individual or a family who lives in South Sarasota County and earned $74,000 or less in 2023. Appointments are required because we have a limited amount of volunteers at each site. 

• DOCUMENTS NEEDED
  Your appointment will need to be rescheduled if you do not bring the required documentation.

• INTERVIEW/INTAKE SHEET
  Please fill out ahead of time to speed up your visit.

• DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION: Using direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive your tax refund and economic impact payments. You will need an account number and a routing number from a bank or a credit union to set up a direct deposit. BankOn provides a list of options for low to no cost checking accounts with minimal to no monthly fees. Click here to visit the BankOn page for more information on the options for an affordable bank account in your area. You may also go to the IRS Website for more information about your refund and direct deposit.

For taxpayers who incurred disaster costs as a result of Hurricane Ian in 2022 and who intend to deduct those expenses on their 2022 return, please note that those returns are not eligible (out of scope) for VITA services. Taxpayers who received federal disaster relief funds (such as from FEMA) may be eligible (in scope) for VITA services. Federal disaster relief income is not taxable.

Book VITA Appointment Now Using Dedicated Link

2024 VITA LOCATIONS & HOURS OF OPERATIONS

Consider Becoming a VITA Volunteer! 
Click the button below or contact Teri Andrews, Director of Programs
for more information at tandrews@uwssc.org or call 941-484-4811, Ext. 104.