United Way of the Coastal Bend

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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Free Income Tax Prep

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free income tax return preparation to those who qualify.

If your 2021 household income was $66,000 or less, you can have your taxes prepared FOR FREE by an IRS-certified VITA volunteer. Our VITA volunteers can help you claim available tax credits and electronically file your taxes. By taking advantage of this free service, you can avoid paying fees, claim the tax credits you're eligible for, and receive the largest refund possible.

Unless stated otherwise, all sites will offer services up until the 2022 tax filing deadline: April 18, 2022

Due to COVID-19, many sites are only offering drop-off services at this time to ensure the safety of both tax filers and volunteers. 

Site locations, hours and service options can change without notice; we recommend you call ahead or check our website regularly for the latest information.

Those who qualify can have their tax returns prepared for free at any of the VITA sites listed below (last updated Jan. 24, 2022):

  VITA SITE   ADDRESS   SITE HOURS   SERVICE OPTIONS
  United Way of the Coastal Bend   4659 Everhart Rd in Corpus Christi   Opens Jan. 31, 2022
  Monday-Thursday
  9 a.m. – 11 a.m.		   Drop-off only; tax documents must be dropped off during site hours  

  Goodwill Industries of South Texas

   4135 Ayers St in Corpus Christi   Opens Jan. 24, 2022
  Monday-Thursday
  5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

  Saturday
  8 a.m. - noon
  1-6 p.m.

   Drop-off only; tax documents must be dropped off during site hours
  Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi   6300 Ocean Dr in Corpus Christi
  Michael & Karen O'Connor Building
  (See campus map)
 		   Opens Feb. 4, 2022
  Closes April 17, 2022
  Friday
  2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

  Saturday-Sunday
  1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

   Drop-off and in-person  
  West Oso High School   754 Flato Road in Corpus Christi   Opens Feb. 16, 2022
  Monday & Wednesday
  4:30 - 6 p.m.		   Drop-off only; tax documents must be dropped off during site hours
  Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend   520 N Staples St in Corpus Christi   Opens Jan. 31, 2022
  Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
  2 p.m. – 5 p.m.		   Drop-off only; tax documents must be dropped off during site hours

NOTE: For the safety of all parties, masks will be strongly recommended to enter any VITA site and social distancing will be observed.

What to bring

Please be prepared to drop-off/provide copies of the following: 

  • Your photo ID
  • Social Security card or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) letter for all individuals listed on the return
  • W-2s, 1099s (including 1099-G for unemployment received if applicable) and all other tax-related documents for 2021
  • Letter 6419 from the IRS regarding Advanced Child Tax Credit distributed in 2021
  • Form 1095-A, B or C Health Insurance Coverage Statement
  • All 1098 E&T forms for educational expenses
  • Childcare provider name, address, phone number and tax ID number
  • Voided check if using direct deposit for refund
  • Copy of your 2020 tax return (if possible)
If dropping off, you will also be asked to fill out the following:
  • Form 14446 (VITA Virtual Consent) - provided at the VITA drop-off site
  • Form 13614-C (Intake & Interview Sheet - can print/fill out in advance or complete when provided at the VITA drop-off site
Document drop-off and tax preparation
If dropped off, all information will be placed in an envelope and sealed with your name and a reliable contact phone number printed on the outside of the envelope. Providing a reliable contact number is vital so that your tax preparer can contact you if they have any questions while preparing your tax return.
 
It may take 2-3 weeks to prepare your tax return. When your return is completed, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment to return to the VITA site to review your tax return and sign Form 8799 IRS e-file authorization (NOTE: both spouses must be present to sign joint returns). For the safety of all parties, masks will be required and social distancing will be observed during your appointment. We will provide you with a copy of your completed tax return and return your tax documents to you at your appointment. 
 
 

Interested in becoming a VITA volunteer? Click here.