Take advantage of free tax filing at VITA
Several years ago, I started volunteering with VITA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program that provides free income tax return preparation to taxpayers who earn up to $55,000 annually.
There are nine VITA locations throughout San Antonio and Bexar County during the tax season. We help working families take advantage of eligible tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and education credits.
Helping community members encourages me to keep volunteering. Income tax preparation and the refunds some receive are vital in the lives of the people we help.
At the Claude Black Center on Commerce, I helped a couple with four daughters who have had their taxes done with VITA since 2015. Both work regular jobs as well as some Lyft employment. The wife had completed a night class and was able to take advantage of the lifetime learning credit. The couple received a refund because of the additional child tax credit and earned income credit.
A retired woman over 70, who has used VITA since 1996, brought her pension and Social Security documents. She received a refund as well.
While VITA does not guarantee a tax refund, it guarantees each person will receive the tax benefits available to them.
Tax returns are prepared by
certified volunteers who undergo a minimum of 20 hours of training and must pass an exam specified by the IRS before they are allowed to prepare and submit a tax return.
We are held to the highest standards of confidentiality, quality and customer service. After I do the tax return for a client, my work is quality reviewed by a staff member or more advanced volunteer.
For tax year 2021, VITA volunteers prepared more than 22,000 tax returns resulting in more than $33 million in refunds. Imagine the difference VITA has made.
If you earned $55,000 or less in 2022, there is no need to pay to have your taxes filed. VITA helps prepare tax returns through April 15. Longer wait times happen later in the tax season, so it’s best to go soon. Call the United Way Helpline at 2-1-1 for VITA services, locations and hours or visit VITASA.ORG.
Rebecca Baker is a San Antonio resident who has a passion for volunteer work. Besides volunteering at VITA, she has also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity's Women House, Christian Assistance Ministry and Meals on Wheels.