Free Tax Preparation

Don't pay a commercial tax preparer when you can get your tax refund for free! VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is an IRS-sponsored program that provides free, expert tax filing for low and moderate-income families. We e-file both federal and state taxes, so all you need is one visit. With six sites throughout New Haven, there's a location convenient to you. Call (203) 946-8482 to make an appointment today and skip the lines!

Locations and Times | Who Can File? | What Should I Bring?

Locations and Times

Who Can File?

Most low and moderate-income families and individuals can use VITA.

All our VITA sites can help with basic tax returns, including the following:

• Federal and state income tax
• Unemployment and Social Security benefits
• Families with dependents
• Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
• Foreign nationals with a valid ITIN
• Claiming education credits
• Itemized exemptions, including home mortgage payments
• Direct deposit of your refund into your bank account

If any of the following conditions applies to you, call us at (203) 946-8482 to learn your options for tax filing. You may not be able to file if:

• You earn more than $40,000 annually.
• You do not have a social security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.
• You wish to report profit or loss from a business you own.
• You wish to receive a deduction for business expenses, and do not qualify for the 2106-EZ.
• You need to amend a tax return which you have already filed.

VITA reserves the right to decline tax assistance on the basis of complex or difficult returns.

What Should I Bring?

In order to file taxes through VITA, you must have the following with you:

• Proof of identification (driver license, state picture ID, etc.)
• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents, and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
• Your spouse, if you are married filing jointly
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• The current year’s tax package if you received one
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R) from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns (if available)
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers, if you want to use Direct Deposit for your refund
• Total paid for day care provider and the day care provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)