United Way of the Coastal Bend

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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

VITA

Free Income Tax Prep

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families.

If your 2020 household income was $66,000 or less, you can drop off your tax information at one of our VITA sites and have your taxes prepared FREE OF CHARGE by one of our IRS-certified VITA volunteers. Our 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 obtain the largest refund possible.

Changes for 2021 tax filing season

NOTE: As a result of the 2021 winter storms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana and the resulting FEMA Disaster Area declaration, tax filers in these states have until June 15, 2021 to file their 2020 federal tax returns. VITA has extended its services to accommodate the new deadline.

Due to COVID-19, some VITA sites will not be open this tax season and operations at available sites have been revised to reduce face-to-face contact. 

To take advantage of our free tax preparation services, please drop-off your tax documents at one of our VITA sites during the site's drop-off hours. Please know that service hours can change without notice; we recommend you check our website regularly for the latest information.

 

  VITA SITE   ADDRESS   DROP-OFF HOURS   ACCEPTING DROP-OFFS
  United Way of the Coastal Bend   4659 Everhart Rd in Corpus Christi   Monday & Wednesday
  9 a.m. – 11 a.m.		   Through June 14  

  Goodwill Industries of South Texas (Port Avenue) 

   2961 S Port Ave in Corpus Christi   Monday & Wednesday
  5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

  Saturday
  1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

   Through June 14  
  Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi   6300 Ocean Dr in Corpus Christi
  Michael & Karen O'Connor Building
  (#16 on campus map)
 		   Friday
  2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

  Saturday-Sunday
  1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

   Through April 30  
  Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend   520 N Staples St in Corpus Christi   Monday-Thursday
  2 p.m. – 6 p.m.		   Through June 4

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

 
What to bring

For us to provide contactless preparation, 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 2020
  • 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 2019 tax return (if possible)
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
Click here to download the latest version of our VITA flyer which includes a list of the documents to drop off (last updated Mar. 8, 2021).
Document drop-off and tax preparation
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.
 
Due to the number of those currently seeking assistance, 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.  

Taxes
Get free tax prep assistance online
Those seeking other free, alternative options for tax prep assistance can use MyFreeTaxes online at https://www.myfreetaxes.com, or go to irs.gov and click on the 'Do Your Taxes For Free' link.