Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

You don’t need to pay for simple tax preparation.

Thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, IRS-certified volunteers will prepare your taxes and ensure you get the largest refund for which you qualify.

APPOINTMENTS ARE NOW BEING SCHEDULED FOR THE 2024 TAX SEASON

VITA Free Tax PreparationCounty residents who qualify for free tax preparation can now book appointments with the United Ways of Chautauqua County through the 2-1-1 phone service.

Each year, the United Ways of Chautauqua County administer the federal Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program locally, training volunteers to prepare income tax returns at no charge to residents.

Qualifying residents include individuals with a household income of $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency.

For January tax preparation sites will include locations in Dunkirk, Jamestown and Silver Creek. Site locations for February are currently being coordinated and will soon be announced.

United Way’s IRS-certified volunteers ensure that individuals and families receive every dollar they are eligible for in their federal and state returns, including valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The goal of United Way and its volunteers is to ensure that 100% of individuals’ refunds are returned to the taxpayers locally.

“VITA is an essential resource for Chautauqua County families, and we’re proud to work with community volunteers to make this program possible,” said Joe Kwiatkowski, VITA coordinator for the United Ways of Chautauqua County. “Every dollar returned to local taxpayers helps strengthen our community.”

Last year, VITA volunteers helped prepare 1,307 federal tax returns and 1,362 state returns, returning more than $1.9 million in refunds to local taxpayers. This saved families $389,489 in tax preparation fees.

A list of the documents needed to bring for a VITA program appointment can be found online at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation

HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Appointments for VITA Tax Assistance through the United Ways of Chautauqua County can be scheduled by calling 211.

The toll-free number for 2-1-1 is 1-888-696-9211 or you can also text your zip code to 898211 (messaging and data rates apply.)

Do not call United Way. 211 Western New York is a free service funded in part by the United Ways of Chautauqua County. When calling, follow the automated prompts to connect with a representative who will assist you in booking an appointment.

When calling 2-1-1, there may be a wait due to high call volume. Either wait through the hold period or leave a message to be called. When you do connect with a service representative, they will schedule you an appointment at one of the in county VITA sites.

Appointments do fill up fast, so calling early to schedule is encouraged.

In lieu of an appointment, taxpayers can also use the self-preparation portal at http://www.MyFreeTaxes.com

Once your appointment is confirmed, please bring the following:

  • 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.
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return.
  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-NEC, 1099-MISC) from all employers.
  • Unemployment statement
  • Interest, dividend, and brokerage statements from banks (Forms 1099.)
  • Education and student loan documents (1098T, 1098E)
  • 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.
  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number.
  • Form 1095-A.
  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable.
  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.