The United Way of Palm Beach County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program has begun its 20th year of service, offering free income tax preparation throughout Palm Beach County to those with a 2022 household income of $70,000 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 $1.4 million in fees had they used a tax-preparation service.
In 2022, VITA volunteers processed more than 7,300 income tax returns for lower-income households resulting in upward of $3.8 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), $3.1 million in Child Tax Credits (CTC) and $12.5 million in tax refunds. Since 2003, this program has returned approximately $267 million to the Palm Beach County economy by preparing returns for individuals and families in the community.
The program is offering the following convenient filing options this year: Filed for You, offering in-person tax preparation provided at several countywide sites, and Filed Yourself at MyFreeTaxes.com.
When visiting a VITA site, taxpayers need to bring the following documents: 2021 tax return; Social Security cards and birthdates for all family members; all W2 statements for 2022; forms 1095-A, 1099, and 1098; a photo ID; and a voided check.
Joint returns require both spouses to attend. Those who earned less than $60,000 may also be eligible for up to $6,935 in Earned Income Tax Credits.
This program is possible through United Way of Palm Beach County’s partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Bank of America, Third Federal and Wells Fargo.
To learn more about the VITA program and find the nearest VITA location, visit www.taxesfiledfree.org or call 211.
