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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Due to the COVID-19 virus, this Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Site is operating on a drop-off/pick-up basis until further notice. You will need to call (562) 216-4600 Tue-Thur to schedule a drop-off appointment.
If we cannot schedule an appointment at a date and time that works for you, there may be other resources available for tax preparation:
https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ - VITA site locator tool, which will help you find other Volunteer Tax Assistance sites
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free - IRS-sponsored search tool to find free, online tax preparation services
https://freetaxprepla.unitedwayla.org/en/find-help/ - provides a list of locations and contact numbers for the United Way VITA program
https://www.myfreetaxes.org/online - available for self-preparation of tax returns, with virtual assistance
https://www.getyourrefund.org/en - provides all-virtual income tax preparation assistance; also available in Spanish
http://pacelabdc.org/ourservices/vita-free-tax-assistance/ - provides drop-off appointments for free tax preparation
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We help taxpayers maximize refunds at no cost to them
Learn about the California Earned Income Tax Credit - You May Qualify!
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $56,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) works in partnership with thousands of organizations nationwide, like LBCAP, to provide training, software, supplies and resources, allowing us to assist millions of taxpayers each year.
Unlike many tax preparation firms who charge for their services, our goal is to prepare tax returns legally, accurately and quickly - we work to ensure each of our clients receive the maximum refund allowed by law, at no cost to them.
Most tax returns at our VITA site can be prepared in six simple steps:
Step 1: Call (562) 216-4600 to schedule an appointment (appointments run from late January through mid-October)
Step 2: Bring the following documents with you, as applicable -
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Proof of identification (photo ID)
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Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letters for you, your spouse and dependents
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Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
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Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
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Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
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Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements
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Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
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Form 1098-T if you paid for college expenses for yourself or a dependent
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Form 1098-E if you paid student loan interest
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Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
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A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
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Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
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To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
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Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
Step 3: Complete the Intake Form and receive an interview with one of our Certified Tax Preparers (translation is available in Spanish, if needed)
Step 4: Wait for the tax preparer to complete your return - your preparer may have questions during this process
Step 5: Examine your tax return with the help of a Quality Reviewer - we'll make sure that the information entered on your return is accurate and complete, let you know if you are due a refund or owe a balance due, and can answer any questions you have about the return
Step 6 : Receive a copy of your tax return(s), authorize e-filing of the return(s) and receive final instructions for direct deposit, paying balances due and answering any remaining questions you have
More information about the VITA program
VITA Informational Poster (English and Spanish)
