The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS-sponsored initiative that offers no-cost tax preparation services to eligible individuals. Certified volunteers provide high-quality, accurate tax return preparation, helping taxpayers claim and receive all eligible credits, and ensure compliance with tax laws.
At UGA VITA
UGA VITA is a student-operated tax preparation program offered through the University of Georgia led by financial planning faculty. Our IRS-certified volunteers, including UGA undergraduate and graduate students, provide no-cost tax assistance to the local community. Our goal is to provide high-quality, accurate tax assistance while helping taxpayers navigate their returns with confidence. By choosing UGA VITA, you receive trusted, professional support while helping students gain valuable real-world experience in tax preparation.
Who are the volunteers?
UGA VITA recruits financial planning, accounting, and finance students to receive an IRS-approved course of study that prepares them to prepare tax returns. Once they have passed the IRS certification, they can begin to file tax returns. This experience doubles as both a rewarding community service and a service-learning experience for students.
What are the benefits of VITA?
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Help clients claim tax credits
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Tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) often go unclaimed, leaving up to $7,830 on the table (depending on qualifications). Many other tax credits are also available that can not be claimed unless taxes are filed.
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No-Cost Tax Return Filing
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By Utilizing VITA services, taxpayers do not have to pay filing fees or preparation fees. This allows them to maximize their savings potential for any expected refunds.
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Connect Clients to other Services
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VITA sites and volunteers can connect clients to financial resources such as bank accounts, financial education, or financial coaching.
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Common Questions
- What are VITA's hours for 2024 Tax Season (Spring 2025)?
- How do I make an appointment?
- How will I know my appointment is confirmed?
- What should I bring to an appointment?
- Will all of my information stay confidential?
- Will this impact my check or other benefits?
- How much does it cost to file my taxes with UGA VITA?
- Is there a cancellation fee?
- Where should I park?
- Can UGA VITA do all tax returns?
- How long will my appointment take?
- Can I file my state taxes with UGA VITA?
- What happens if I'm missing a document?
- What should I expect? What will be expected of me?
- What are VITA's hours for 2024 Tax Season (Spring 2025)?
We are open Monday through Friday with hours varying from day to day...
Monday: 9:00-11:00AM and 3:00-6:00PM (Last appointment at 5PM)
Tuesday: 9:35-11:30AM and 4:00-7:00PM (Last appointment at 6PM)
Wednesday: 9:00-11:00AM and 4:00-7:00PM (Last appointment at 6PM)
Thursday: 9:35-11:30AM and 3:00-6:00PM (Last appointment at 5PM)
Friday: 9:10-1:15PM and 1:50-5:55PM (Last appointment at 5PM)
- How do I make an appointment?
Visit The Schedule an Appointment page to book your appointment.
- How will I know my appointment is confirmed?
You will receive a confirmation email (or text) after scheduling your appointment. Please check your email's spam or junk folder if you don't see the confirmation within 24 hours.
- What should I bring to an appointment?
- Proof of Identification (original Photo ID of primary taxpayer and spouse if Married Filing Jointly)
- SSN or ITIN for yourself, your spouse and any dependents (original cards)
- All W-2s, 1098-Ts, 1099s (1099-MISC, 1099-INT, etc.), 1095-A (do not need 1095-B or C). Unemployment or Social Security Benefits, and all other income documents
- Bank accounting and routing information if you’d like to do direct deposit/withdrawal
- Copy of last year’s tax return, if available
- If you are filing a joint return, both spouses must be present to sign the tax forms
- If you pay for child or dependent care bring the name, address, phone number, and tax ID (EIN) or SSN of the care provider
- Total education expenses (books, laptops, etc.)
- Total business expenses if you are an independent contractor or entrepreneur
- Any additional forms or tax documents
- Will all of my information stay confidential?
Volunteers at UGA VITA have agreed to adhere to the standards of conduct set out by the IRS prior to working in a VITA/TCE free tax return preparation site. Volunteer training covers the importance of confidentiality and privacy of all tax-payer information. We ensure that any information provided will not be disclosed to any outside parties.
- Will this impact my check or other benefits?
No, filing taxes will not impact your checks or any benefits you are currently receiving. You will likely be able to claim more benefits. When filing your taxes, you may be able to claim tax credits, receive refunds, and be referred to other essential services.
- How much does it cost to file my taxes with UGA VITA?
UGA VITA offers tax preparation services at no cost to eligible individuals. This service is completely free of charge.
- Is there a cancellation fee?
No, there is no cancellation fee. However, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible (at least 24 hours in advance) if you need to cancel or reschedule, so we can offer your time slot to another client. You can also reschedule in the link on your confirmation email.
- Where should I park?
There are LIMITED designated available outside of Schwab in lot S10 (across from the Coliseum) labeled with green placards. These are first come, first serve. If you park here please come in to let us know, get a pass for your windshield, and place this pass visibly to ensure you will not be ticketed.
Alternatively there are pay-by-hour lots available (like South Deck on Carlton St.) that offer alternative, walkable parking. We cannot validate the pay-by-hour lots.
- Can UGA VITA do all tax returns?
There are limitations on the types of returns we are legally able to complete as a VITA program. We cannot prepare returns involving rental properties, self-employment income requiring Schedule C with losses, or other complex tax situations. However, if your return falls outside our scope, we will inform you and provide recommendations for additional resources.
- How long will my appointment take?
Most appointments take about 1 hour, but this will vary based on the complexity of your tax return.
- Can I file my state taxes with UGA VITA?
Yes, we can assist with filing both federal and state tax returns for eligible individuals. Please ensure you bring all necessary documents for your state return(s).
- What happens if I'm missing a document?
To avoid delays, we ask that you please double-check that you have all necessary documents before your appointment. If you know in advance that you're missing a required tax document, your appointment will need to be rescheduled. If you arrive and discover a missing document, we may be unable to complete and submit your return until all required documents are provided.
- What should I expect? What will be expected of me?
Upon arrival you will be asked to sign in and complete an intake form. You can find the intake form here (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f13614c.pdf) and fill out prior however your preparer may still need to review this information with you prior to your appointment. Once youre done with the intake form you will be put in queue to be paired with a tax preparer. During your appointment, an IRS-certified volunteer will prepare your tax return. Please come prepared to answer questions about your income, expenses, and other financial information. Your cooperation ensures accuracy and efficiency. You will be required to review your completed tax return before it is filed electronically or printed for your physical submission. Please plan to stay for the entire appointment.