VITA – Frequently Asked Questions

Q:    What will you do for me at a VITA site?

A:    When you visit a VITA site, you will receive:

•    Free tax preparation by IRS-trained volunteer tax preparers with no fees or hidden charges. That means that if you use this service, you are able to keep every penny of your refund -- as opposed to those who pay predatory lending fees to have their taxes done at organizations offering instant refunds or refund anticipation loans.

•    Electronic-filing, so that refunds can be received in ten business days or fewer from the day you file.

Q.    Who are the volunteers?  Can I trust them?

A:    All of the volunteer tax preparers have been trained and certified by the Internal Revenue Service.

Q:    What if I have my own business?

A:    Unless your tax requirements are very simple, as in a sole proprietorship, our service is probably not the best resource for you.


Q:    Can you do my 2008 and 2009 returns, too?

A:    We can only do current year (2010) returns at our VITA sites.  Our partner, Legal Services of North Florida, can help you with prior year returns.  Visit them at www.taxserve.org or call their hotline at (850) 385-0029.


Q:    Where are the tax preparation sites and when are they open?

A:    VITA sites are open from January 22 to April 15.  For a list of locations and their hours of operation, click here.  


Q:    What do I need to bring?

A:    To have your taxes prepared at a VITA site, you should bring:
•    Photo identification
•    Proof of a valid social security number for yourself and any dependants
•    All wage and earning statements, including W-2, 1099 and other such documents
•    Official documents proving qualified deductions (child care credits, higher education credits, etc)
•    Interest and dividend statements – if applicable
•    Total amount paid for daycare, provider’s name and tax ID number – if applicable
•    Bank routing and account numbers to have your refund deposited electronically
•    Your spouse – if married and filing a joint return


Q:      What does EITC stand for?

A:     Earned Income Tax Credit


Q:    What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?

A:    Earned Income Tax Credit is an amount that has been set aside by the Federal Government and is designed to aid lower-to-moderate income workers.  It is a refundable credit that can potentially be larger than the amount of taxes withheld from a qualifying worker’s paycheck.  For more information on the EITC, click here.


Q:    How do I claim the EITC?

A:    You must file a tax return to claim the EITC.


Q:    Will the EITC impact my public benefits?

A:    You can get this tax credit and not lose other public benefits.  The EITC does not count as income in determining eligibility for benefits like cash assistance, Medicaid, food stamps, SSI, public housing or child care assistance.  Some benefit programs may have a limit on how long you can keep your refund in a bank account.