Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Available

The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly
(TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA
program has operated for over 50 years, offering free tax help to: people who generally make $57,000 or less; persons with disabilities; and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are
60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related
issues unique to seniors. 

VITA/TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA/TCE volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.

UWSWA is now taking VITA appointments for the four available United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA) sites in Mobile County. To make an appointment, call 251.219.0606 or visit https://taxes.uwswa.org. If you would prefer to do a facilitate self-assistance return, call 251.431.0110 to find out how.