Free Tax Help

Click here to learn more about volunteering with VITA!

Call 940-566-2688 to determine whether you are
eligible to have your taxes prepared for free!

What is the VITA Program?

The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program provides free tax preparation and e-filing services for low- to moderate-income families and individuals. To qualify for the VITA program, participant’s income must be $50,000 or less.

The VITA program is made possible through community volunteers that are trained and certified by the IRS.

What has the VITA Program done?

In 2013, United Way of Denton County's VITA volunteers concluded our sixth year of tax preparation, returning $1,037,382 of Tax Year 2012 refunds to our community while simultaneously saving Denton County residents an estimated $133,000 in tax preparation fees.

Where do I go to get free tax help?

Check back here for information on where taxes will be prepared in 2014. VITA locations are open at different times and dates beginning January to April.

In 2013, volunteers prepared taxes at five VITA sites across Denton County:

  • Hackberry Elementary School
  • North Branch Library
  • Oak Point Elementary School
  • Sanger Public Library
  • Vision Ministries

These sites were opened and operated with the help of many valued community partners:

  • City of Denton
  • City of Sanger
  • Communities In Schools of North Texas
  • Denton ISD
  • Denton Public Library
  • Little Elm ISD
  • Retired Senior Volunteer Program
  • Sanger Bargain Depot
  • Sanger ISD
  • Sanger News
  • Town of Little Elm
  • Vision Ministries

Do I qualify for free tax help?

To qualify for free tax help, your 2013 annual (adjusted gross income or AGI) income must be $50,000 or less.  If your taxes involve any of the items on this list, then we cannot prepare your return for you.

What do I need to bring to have my taxes prepared?

Please bring the following items to have your taxes prepared:

  • Photo ID (if married, spouse must be present and have photo ID also)
  • Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents (No photocopies accepted. Contact the Social Security Administration to obtain social security cards.)
  • A Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration can be used if a card is not available.
  • If you do not have a Social Security Number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter/card for you, spouse and dependents (No photocopies accepted)
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and all dependents on the tax return
  • Wage and earning statement(s) and W2(s) from all employers
  • All forms showing other types of income such as interest (1099INT), dividends (1099DIV), retirement (1099R), gambling winnings
  • A copy of last year's (2011) federal return, if available
  • Letters or documents from the IRS
  • A voided check, bank statement or bank card that shows both the bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. (A deposit slip is not acceptable).
  • Child/Dependent care provider's name, address and tax identification number (EIN for business or SSN for individual) and the dollar amount paid for each person cared for.
  • Proof of expenses such as property tax, charitable contributions, unreimbursed medical, dental or medical prescriptions.
  • Form 1098-T from your school, if you paid for tuition
  • To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, BOTH spouses must be present to sign the required form.

What tax returns CAN be prepared?

  • Form 1040
  • Schedules A, B, D, C-EZ, EIC, R, SE
  • Schedule E (limited)
  • Schedule C (limited)
  • Form 1040 – V (payment voucher)
  • Form 1040 – ES (estimated tax for individuals)
  • Form 2441 (child and dependent care credit)
  • Form 5329 (additional taxes on qualified plans—part I only)
  • Form 5405 (first-time homebuyer credit and repayment of credit)
  • Form 5695 (part I only)
  • Form 8863 (education credits)
  • Form 8880 (credit for qualified retirement savings contributions)
  • Form 8812 (additional child tax credit)
  • Form 8888 (allocation of refund)
  • Form 8917 (tuition and fees deduction)
  • Form 1040-X (amended U.S. individual income tax return—limited)
  • Schedule C (limited)
  • Back Taxes (limited)

What tax returns CANNOT be prepared?

  • Married Filing Separately
  • Schedule E (Rents and Losses)
  • Form 2106 (Employee Business Expenses)
  • Form 3903 (Moving)
  • Form 8606 (Non-deductible IRA)
  • Form 8615 (Minor’s Investment Income)
  • Individuals with a Bankruptcy
  • Schedule C with losses
  • Complicated & advanced Schedule D (capital gains and losses)
  • Form SS-5 (request for social security number)
  • Form SS-8 (determination of worker status for purposes of federal employment taxes and income tax withholding)

Tax returns that are considered beyond the scope of the program (overly complex) and training of a volunteer preparer will be referred to a paid preparer. Please call 940-566-2688 to determine if your return can be prepared and/or if you qualify for the VITA program.

Additional Resources

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