What is VITA?
FREE, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance — the program offers free tax preparation and electronic filing for a quick refund. VITA helps individuals and families, with annual incomes up to $70,000, get ahead financially, pay down debt and work toward saving for the future.
It is never too early to prepare for tax season!
VITA sites are OPEN!
What to bring with you to your tax appointment:
- Proof of identification (photo ID) for you and your spouse
- Social Security card(s) for you, your spouse, and dependents
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse, and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security Number
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for ITIN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statements (W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC) from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
- A copy of last year's federal and state returns, if available
- Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit (i.e. a blank check)
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number, such as their SS Number or business Employer ID Number
- Forms 1095-A, B, and C, Health Coverage Statements
- Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
- Economic Impact Payment (Recovery Rebate Credit) **You will need to provide the amounts for the 1st and 2nd deposit.**
- Identity PIN number issued from the IRS, if applicable
South Mississippi VITA Partnership has a site near you!
Jackson County
5343 Jefferson Avenue Moss Point, MS 39563
228.769.3292
Monday - Thursday 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
George County
7102 Highway 98 East Lucedale, MS 39452
601.947.5989
By Appointment Only
Mercy Housing &
Human Development
1135 Ford Street Gulfport, MS 39507
228.896.1945
tevans@mhhd.org
By Appointment Only
Harrison County
500 24th Street Gulfport, MS 39507
228.284.6776
Tuesday and Thursday
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Keesler AFB
228.377.0155
Please call for information.
Become a VITA Volunteer!
At VITA sites, IRS-trained and certified volunteers work one-on-one with filers to prepare and electronically file state and federal income tax forms at no charge and determine qualifications for tax credits and refunds.
You can help by:
- Preparing and filing income tax returns with filers; or
- Greeting filers, managing appointment schedules; and
- Helping filers learn about ways to save and stretch their refunds; or
- Translating languages for volunteers and filers
What you need:
- Experience using computers
- Time to volunteer Mid-January through Mid-April
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
What’s in it for you?
VITA is a meaningful, unique experience for the volunteers and filers. As a volunteer, you’ll:
- Learn valuable, lifelong skills that can be used personally or professionally.
- Obtain an IRS certification to build your resume
- Make a difference in the community where you live. Each tax return completed by a volunteer could raise a family’s earned income by an average of $1,850.
To volunteer, please contact:
Community Action of South Mississippi
228-769-3349 or lkendrick@casoms.org
or