VITA Tax Preparation
The IRS offers free basic tax return preparation to people who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. People qualify if they earn $67,000 or less or if they are 60+ years of age. The programs also serve taxpayers with disabilities or limited English.
VITA is a yearly initiative provided by LISC Toledo in partnership with Enterprise, United Way of Greater Toledo, and LISC’s local Financial Opportunity Center® partners.
Questions about VITA? Please contact Selena Coley, VITA Program Manager, 419-500-2545
Become a vita volunteer
You can make a difference in the lives of people by assisting with free tax prep. No experience is required, and some opportunities don’t involve preparing taxes. Volunteers can serve as:
- Greeters – You greet everyone visiting the site to create a pleasant atmosphere. You screen taxpayers to determine the type of assistance they need and confirm they have the necessary documents to complete their tax returns. Tax law certification is not required for this position.
- Interpreters – You provide free language interpreter services to customers who are not fluent in English. Basic tax knowledge is helpful, but it is not required for this position.
- Tax Preparers – You complete and successfully certify in tax law training, including the use of electronic filing software, to provide free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers.
- Quality Reviewers – You review tax returns completed by volunteer tax preparers, ensuring that every taxpayer receives top-quality service, and the tax returns are error-free. You must be tax law certified at least at the Intermediate level.
A minimum commitment of four hours per week is required during tax season (February 3 through April 12, 2024). VITA sites will be located at the following locations:
- NeighborWorks Financial Opportunity Center® (Tuesdays Only)
- Pathway Financial Opportunity Center® (Thursdays Only)
- ProMedica Financial Opportunity Center® (Fridays Only)
- Lucas Metropolitan Housing Ravine Park Village (Wednesdays Only)
- University of Toledo Controversial Tax Clinic (2/22, 3/15, 4/12 Only)
- Mott Branch Library (Only on Super Saturdays)
Complete the volunteer registration to receive additional information. All VITA volunteers are required to take the Volunteer Standards of Conduct Exam, regardless of their role in the VITA program.
Training Opportunities
Volunteers have the option to either “self-train” or “attend a group training session. This year, LISC is facilitating two in-person trainings.
- Basic Tax Law Training – Saturday, January 11 2025 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Advance Tax Law Training – Saturday, January 18 2025 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To attend a training please complete the registration form: https://forms.gle/ENZLm2vSNnR33ihP8
Need your taxes prepared?
Free tax preparation is available to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Make less than $67,000/year
- Persons with disabilities or
- Limited English-speaking indviduals
- Adults 60 and older
To schedule a free tax preparation appointment please call 211 or 800-650-HELP
myfreetaxes
For $0 you can file your federal and state returns without spending any money on tax preparation fees. MyFreeTaxes has helped 1.3 million people save $260 million in tax filing fees
The secure software walks you through the filing process and screens for common tax deductions and credits you may be eligible for, like the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit. Free Tax Prep assistance is also available for those who would like to file with MyFreeTaxes.
FILE TAXES FOR FREEabout lisc toledo
