Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Free income tax preparation assistance

Each year, Family Service hosts the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Family Service Neighborhood Place to help save San Antonio families millions in fees through free income tax preparation assistance.

VITA San Antonio is a collaboration of public and private entities dedicated to individual and family financial sustainability, with the support of dedicated VITA volunteers to help teach individuals and families how to prepare their own taxes.

Family Service Neighborhood Place remains a VITA site. Due to COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of you, your family, our team members, and our community. Paperwork can be dropped off in person, our team will process your return, and we will call you to come pick up your documentation.

VITA is OPEN from January 16 through April 15, 2024

The VITA process:

1. Before you go to the site, please bring the following:

Taxpayers should keep end of year documents including:

Letter 6419, 2021 Total Advance Child Tax Credit Payments, to reconcile advance Child Tax Credit payments
Letter 6475, Your 2021 Economic Impact Payment, to determine eligibility to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit
Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance Premium Tax Credits for Marketplace coverage

Identification

  • Proof of Identification—Drivers License, Government issued Photo I.D.
  • Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse and dependents you will claim
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and and dependents you will claim
  • Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit
  • To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, BOTH spouses must be present to sign the required forms
  • Last years tax return, if you have it, can really help
Income

  • The dates and amounts of any stimulus checks received.
  • Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2 from all employers
  • Annuity or retirement: 1099-R
  • Social Security Statement: 1099-SSA
  • Gambling winnings: W2-G
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV)

Expenses

  • Mortgage interest: 1098
  • Real estate taxes paid (statement or receipt)
  • Child care expenses: provider receipt showing provider Identification Number
  • Medical Expenses: detailed receipts
  • Charitable contributions
  • Education: Form 1098-T Tuition Statement; must have the school EIN
  • Student Loan Interest: 1098-E

Once you arrive, please sign in and wait for your name to be called. A VITA team member will review your paperwork to start your tax return process.

2. Our team members will review your documentation and help process your tax return.

3. We will notify you when your taxes have been filed and arrange a time for you to come by the Neighborhood Place to collect your paperwork.

Locations and Times

VITA is available Monday-Thursday and Saturday.

Registration starts at 8 AM until full. We have limited capacity each day.

Family Service Neighborhood Place
3014 Rivas St. San Antonio, TX 78228

Family Service Neighborhood Place is one VITA location throughout the City. Visit VITASA.org for more information on other locations.

FAQS

Find the answers to your questions here

What is VITA?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free income tax return preparation for individuals making up to $60,000 annually.

Who is eligible for VITA?

Individuals and families who earn up to $60,000 annually can participate in our free tax preparation services.

What paperwork should I bring with me?

The IRA requires:

  • All W-2 Forms
  • 1099 Forms (if applicable) Independent Contractor, Retirement etc.
  • Student Loan Interest Form
  • Valid photo ID
  • Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for all members in your family

For more VITA locations, visit VITASA.org or call the United Way Helpline at 2-1-1.

Contact

To learn more about VITA, go to VITASA.org or call us at 210-431-7500.