Tax Season is Upon Us - VITA Can Help

January 30, 2013

This year, you can prepare and file your taxes online for free thanks to VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), an IRS-sponsored program that works with United Way of North Central Florida and other community partners to assist individuals and families during the tax season, which runs through April 15.

You will need these items/qualifications to file your income taxes for free online:

  • earned household income of less than $57,000 in 2012
  • a valid email address
  • a valid Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number

Be sure to review the tax checklist to make sure you have all the proper documentation in order to successfully complete your taxes.

If you need access to a computer and/or help, you can come to the Big Open Lab (BOL), located in N-216, from 3 - 6:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays beginning Jan. 31. There will be five computers available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a certified VITA volunteer will be there to help answer any questions you may have. This is a self-prepared tax site - the volunteers will not be preparing your taxes for you. If you find that you need additional assistance, please set up an appointment with VITA.

When visiting the BOL, be sure to bring a valid Santa Fe College photo ID, silence your cell phone and do not speak above a whisper as the lab may be in use for testing. You may also want to bring a USB flash drive to save your files.

To begin preparing your own taxes, click here.

If you have any problems or questions while preparing your taxes, please call 1-855-698-9435 (hours are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday - Saturday) or email info@myfreetaxes.com.

For additional information, visit the VITA website.