Free Tax Preparation from the IRS

by James Fitzsimmons

This year, the deadline for filing your 2021 federal tax return with the Internal Revenue Service is Monday April 18, 2022. The federal deadline is traditionally April 15 unless that day is a holiday or weekend day. This year, April 15 falls on Good Friday and Passover, so you have an extra weekend to do your taxes. 

But why wait? If you qualify, you can obtain free tax preparation now through an IRS program called VITA “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance." VITA volunteers are trained in tax law, are certified by the IRS, and will prepare your return completely free to you. You can be confident in the quality of work because every return is reviewed before filing.

Who qualifies for the free help? You do if you earn $58,000  or less, or are a person with disabilities, or are a limited English language speaker. You can find help by looking up VITA sites listed by zip code on the IRS VITA website. For example, when I put my zip code into a search field, a location at a nearby college campus pops up with meeting dates, times, and a person to contact via email.

In California, there is a special version of the VITA program for current and former foster youth, ages 18 to 24. This web page will prompt you for your contact information, preferred time slots, and whether you want in-person or virtual aid. Appointments are available in the Los Angeles area and the Antelope Valley area. 

You will need to gather some information before heading out to your VITA meeting, such as personal identification, social security card, W2 form from your employer, and other items depending on your financial situation. Please see the IRS web page for a list of items required.

The VITA program runs from February through April. With free help, there's no need to put off this chore. I've used the VITA program myself and found the service to be expert and friendly. It helped me understand the intricacies of tax preparation and gave me confidence to complete future returns on my own.