The United Way of Palm Beach County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program officially began its 18th year of service on Feb. 1, offering free income tax preparation throughout Palm Beach County to those with a 2020 household income of $66,000 or less.
This program provides taxpayers with fast refunds by filing electronically through a secure IRS-certified program, so they can receive their hard-earned money quickly and save hundreds of dollars on filing fees. Last year, the VITA Program helped Palm Beach County taxpayers save more than $1.2 million in fees had they used a tax-preparation service.
In 2020, VITA processed nearly 7,000 income tax returns for lower-income households, resulting in upward of $3.8 million in earned income tax credits and $11.8 million in tax refunds.
To continue providing this critical service and keep volunteers and the community safe, VITA is offering three socially distanced and virtual options this year. IRS-certified volunteers can file taxes for you in-person at one of 12 VITA sites across Palm Beach County, or drop off and scan your documents into a secure IRS platform and pick up your return later. You can also file your own tax return at www.myfreetaxes.com.
When visiting a VITA site, taxpayers need to bring the following documents: 2019 tax return, Social Security cards and birthdates for all family members, all W2 statements for 2020, forms 1099 and 1098, a photo ID and a voided check. Joint returns require both spouses to attend. To find out more about the VITA program, visit www.taxesfiledfree.org or call 2-1-1.
