United Way Offers Free Tax Help to Local Residents

By the United Way

As tax season approaches, low- to moderate-income Santa Barbara County residents will have the opportunity to put more money back in their pocket with the help of United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA).

From Feb. 6 to April 18, volunteers at VITA sites throughout the community will provide free tax filing services to local residents making $67,000 or less annually. IRS-certified volunteers will provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Last year, United Way’s VITA program filed 2,784 tax returns, creating more than $2,678,237 in federal refunds to local community members.

United Way is supported by partners at the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara; Immigrant Hope; AARP; University of California, Santa Barbara; the County of Santa Barbara; JBAY; People Helping People; Carpinteria Children’s Project and Eastside Library. United Way works closely with these organizations to provide participating sites and services to residents throughout the County.

LOCATIONS & HOURS

What to bring:

• Copy of prior year federal and state tax returns for years to be done: ( 2020 for 2021, 2021 for 2022)

• Copy of photo ID and spouse’s if filing jointly (driver’s license or passport)

• Copy of social security cards or Individual Taxpayer ID Numbers (ITIN) for each family member

• For married filing jointly, both spouses must be present to review tax return and sign return

• For all jobs W-2’s, 1099’s, 1098’s for all years tax returns to be done

• IRS letter 6419 “Advanced Child Tax Credits,” if received during the later part of 2022

• IRS letter 6475 “Third Economic Impact Payment” and other payments received from IRS (2020, 2021, 2022) and California Franchise Tax Board 2021 and 2022

• Copy of voided check if direct deposit or refund requested

• Bank routing and account numbers (if using direct deposit)

• All forms for 1095 Health Insurance statements

Dates and times are subject to change, for the most up to date information please visit: unitedwaysb.org/VITA

 

About United Way of Santa Barbara County — Since 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has been a key leader in local efforts to empower children, families, and communities through its own unique collaborative programs and initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development, and funding. UWSBC’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and families and build resilient communities by leading local programs and partnerships that improve school readiness and academic achievement, financial empowerment, and crisis response and recovery. To learn more, please visit unitedwaysb.org.