VITA

free tax preparation for low-to-moderate income households.

Did you earn less than $70,000 in 2025 and need assistance filing your taxes?

We’re here to help! Our IRS-certified volunteers provide free tax preparation and support to those who qualify. Whether you need help filing your return or have questions about your taxes, we’ve got you covered.

Appointments will be available in mid-January! Call 211 to schedule your appointment or click the link below to book at your preferred location.

Registration sites are open from January 27th to April 15th.

Chula Vista
1387 Third Ave
Chula Vista, CA, 91911
Tuesday & Saturday
10am to 6pm

San Martin
9119 Jamacha Road
Spring Valley, CA, 91977
Wednesday
10am to 6pm

Vista Headquarters
956 Vale Terrace Drive
Vista, CA, 92084
Saturday
9am to 4pm

Mercado
2001 Newton Avenue
San Diego, CA, 92113
Wednesday
10am to 6pm

A tax time note and some papers on top of each other.
A close up of the irs tax form and money.

What to Bring

  • Proof of identification (photo ID)
  • Social Security cards 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

  • All income forms received by IRS:

    • W-2, 1099-NEC, 1099-K, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-R, SSA-1099, RRB-1099, 1099-G, 1098-T,1098-E, 1099-MISC, and Letters from IRS, Cash income: bring written income records, business records, and/or third-party proof.

  • Health coverage statements:

    • Form 1095-A (Covered California/ Marketplace) if health insurance was provided through the marketplace, information for each person in the return IS REQUIRED
    • Form 1095-B (Medi-Cal)
    • Form 1095-C (Employer)

  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and the CA state, if applicable

  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available

  • Bank information for Direct Deposit – Account and Routing Number, can be found on:

    • Checks
    • Mobile bank account

  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-jointly 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 Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number

Our VITA tax sites cover the following scope of service:

  • W-2 Income
  • Limited Interest and Dividend Income Reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV (SCH B)
  • Retirement Income
  • Student Education Expenses
  • Unemployment Income
  • Student Education Credits
  • Student Loan Interest

  • Standard Deduction or Itemized Deduction (SCH A)

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)
  • Child Tax Credits
  • Child and Dependent Care Expenses
  • Capital Gain or Loss (SCH D)

  • Business Income (SCH C)

  • Amended Individual Tax Return (for returns completed at a MAAC VITA site)

Phase Out of Paper Check Disbursements and Receipts

How to prepare:

  • Consider Direct Deposit: it’s the safest and quickest way to receive your refund. To receive your refund by direct deposit, you can:
    • Provide valid bank account information (routing and account numbers) when filing your return.
    • Open an account at a bank or credit union if you do not already have one. Resources are available at FDIC.gov/GetBanked and MyCreditUnion.gov.
    • Use certain mobile apps and prepaid debit cards if they have a routing and account number. You can check with your mobile app provider or financial institution to confirm which numbers to use.

Taxpayers without access to digital payment options may be eligible for Treasury-sponsored alternatives that ensure reliable electronic delivery. Additional details on these alternatives will be provided as implementation progresses.

To learn more about refund options and timelines, visit Refunds.

Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunity

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Join the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program and make a difference this tax season! Volunteers with VITA provide free tax preparation assistance to individuals and families who need it most. No prior tax experience is required – training is provided!

Why Volunteer with VITA?

  • Gain valuable experience in tax preparation and customer service.

  • Help low-income individuals and families file their taxes for free.

  • Make a lasting impact on your community by reducing financial stress for those in need.

  • Receive free tax training and IRS certification as VITA tax preparer.

Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Tax Preparer: Assist individuals with preparing and filing their tax returns.

  • Intake Specialist: Help clients gather necessary documents and provide initial assistance.

  • Client Facilitator: Support the flow of clients and ensure a smooth tax filing process.

  • Quality Reviewer: Review tax returns to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Don’t miss out on the chance to make a difference in your community this tax season!

Interested in becoming a VITA volunteer?