What is VITA?
VITA is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. It is a program that offers free tax filing services to working individuals and families with household incomes of $50,000 or less.

How does it work?
Before the tax season starts, VITA volunteers have already put in 24 hours each of tax preparation training and certification by the Internal Revenue Service. Volunteers will be at various locations around the community, offering no cost tax filing assistance throughout the tax season.

How do I find out more?
Starting January 23, 2012 call any of the following location for more information:

1. United Way: 383 - 4242
2. Planada Senior Annex: 382-1726
3. Work Net of Los Banos: 826-7241
4. Merced County Human Services Agency: 385 - 3000 x5357
5. Merced Senior Center: 385 – 8803
6. Winton Lifeline: 358 - 6939

United Way of Merced County is currently accepting volunteer applications for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program 2012. Learn valuable skills such as tax preparation, customer service, data entry and more by joining and volunteering with the VITA Program.
VITA volunteers enjoy a rewarding feeling of helping families and their communities avoid paying tax preparation fees, thus families keep every dollar of their refunds. Best part, skills you learn from being a VITA volunteer can enhance your resume and employment potential.
Anyone who would like to become a VITA volunteer, please contact Theresa Tapetillo at 209-383-4242.

Volunteers will help prepare the following:
¨ Form 982
¨ Form 1040EZ, 1040A, 1040
¨ Schedule A, B, D, EIC, M, R, SE
¨ Form 1040-V, 1040-ES
¨ From 2441 (child & dependent care credit)
¨ Form 5329 (part 1)
¨ From 5404
¨ Form 8863 ( education credits)
¨ Form 8880 (credit for qualified retirement savings contributions)
¨ Form 8812 ( additional child tax credit)
¨ Form 8888 (direct deposit)
¨ Form 8889 ( health savings accounts )
¨ Schedule C-EZ, C (limited)

What to bring:
Bring your current year’s tax packages and/or label. Bring all forms W-2, 1099’s and information for other incomes. Bring information for deductions/credits. A copy of last year’s tax returns. Proof of accounts for direct deposit of refunds (e.g., voided checks). Also, bring Social Security card or Individual Taxpayers Identification notice/cards for you, your spouse and/or dependents. Bring proof of identification for yourself and/or your spouse.