The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and community partners have launched the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program – an annual initiative to provide free tax preparation for qualifying individuals and families throughout the greater Chattanooga region.
Individuals and households whose income is $58,000 or less may be eligible for the program, as well as people with disabilities, United Way members, seniors, retirees and limited English speaking taxpayers.
“This year, the VITA program is even more critical for individuals and families who would otherwise face significant challenges navigating the tax process,” said Urban League President and CEO Candy Johnson. “We know tax preparation can be complex and expensive, particularly for underserved or disadvantaged residents. We deeply appreciate our community partners and dedicated volunteers for assisting thousands of individuals and families in the Chattanooga area and its surrounding counties.”
Last year, the Urban League completed over 10,728 tax returns for individuals throughout the area, saving taxpayers a collective amount of over $3.4 million. On average, VITA saves each participant about $325 in filing and processing fees compared to a paid tax preparation service.
“The VITA program was created for individuals and families who face financial challenges during the tax season,” said Val Palmer, VITA program regional coordinator. “Our clients can rely on us for free tax preparation services to ensure they fulfill their civic duty and receive the return they deserve.”
There are five VITA locations in the Chattanooga area where taxpayers can drop off their paperwork through April 14:
• The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga (Monday-Thursday);
• Northside Neighborhood House (Mondays);
• Second Missionary Baptist Church (Mondays & Saturdays);
• Soddy Daisy Senior Center (Tuesdays); and
• Southern Adventist University (Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays).
In addition, there are two locations in Bradley County, two in Marion and one in Rhea:
• CrossNet Baptist Network (Thursdays & Saturdays);
• Cleveland Bradley County Public Library (Saturdays);
• South Pittsburg VITA – Old National Guard Armory Building (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays);
• Orena Humphrey Public Library (Thursdays); and
• VITA Site of Spring City (Fridays).
As a precaution amid COVID-19, taxpayers will drop off the necessary forms. Later, they will schedule an appointment to review the completed returns.
Taxpayers who received Advanced Child Tax payments must bring the IRS Letter 6419 to the VITA drop off. Not having the letter and giving the incorrect amount received for the advanced child tax payments could delay a refund.
The IRS will be sending Letter 6475 to taxpayers who received a third stimulus check of $1,400. That letter is also needed for filing. Any taxpayer who did not receive the $1,400 stimulus check must still file their 2021 tax return, and VITA volunteers will complete the Recovery Rebate form.
Taxpayers need to bring all tax documents such as W2 forms, 1099-S forms, Social Security cards for all children, valid photo identification, Affordable Care Act (ACA) Statements, 1095-A forms, tax returns for 2019 and 2020 and home mortgage statements and IRS Letters 6419 and 6475. Each VITA site will have free information on tax documents, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), IRS updates and the VITA locations list.
Program volunteers participate in training on tax law, tax return preparation and tax preparation software, followed by an online course and comprehensive test to become certified tax preparers. VITA is sponsored by the IRS, City of Chattanooga, United Way of Greater Chattanooga, UT Extension and Tennessee America Saves.
For more information about VITA and a list of filing locations and times, visit www.ulchatt.net/vita-tax-resources or call the Urban League at 423-756-1762, or dial 311 or 211. In addition, tax prep videos are available online at www.ulchatt.net or on the Chattanooga Urban League’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.