VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)

Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers

QCAP provides free tax preparation for households less than $60,000 in income.

IRS-certified volunteers prepare taxes and identify tax credits that households may be eligible for.  Utilizing the free tax preparation services allows families to retain their full refund, avoiding typical preparation fees which can often cost hundreds of dollars.

QCAP’s Tax Program will begin in early February and has a few different filing options available.

For more information on QCAP’s Tax Program, please contact our tax line at 617-657-5345.

VITA Eligibility:

To qualify for free tax preparation, clients must meet several criteria. The 2023 IRS requirements for VITA are posted below for your reference:

• Your 2022 household income must have been $60,000 or less, or you must have qualified for QCAP fuel assistance this season. The income limit is per return, so couples filing joint returns must have a combined income of $60,000 or less.
• You must be a full-time resident of Massachusetts in 2022.

Benefits of using VITA:

• A FREE service! There is no fee to participate in the VITA program. QCAP can help you save on expensive tax preparation fees
• Make the most of your return – Tax preparers will identify tax credits that households may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, and others
• Convenient Schedule – evening and weekend hours available!
• Multiple languages available – QCAP has VITA volunteers who speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and other languages.

Documents Needed:

In order to have your taxes prepared, you will need the following documents (as applicable to your situation):

• A Government-issued photo ID (license, passport).
• Social Security card or document from Social Security Administration or IRS showing Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number for you, spouse, and ALL dependents
• Proof of health insurance (1095 A/B/C, 1099 HC) if available
• All W-2 and 1099 forms
• Childcare expenses if applicable,(typically a letter from care provider)
• College expenses if applicable (Form 1098-T, student account statement, receipts)
• All 1098 forms including: mortgage interest, real estate taxes paid, student loan interest, and college tuition
• Bank account and routing number if electing direct deposit or debit
• If itemizing deductions: medical receipts, charitable contributions and excise tax bills
• If filing taxes on a married filing jointly return, both spouses must participate
• Copy of your 2020 and 2022 tax return if available
• Letters or Notices from IRS (such as summaries of payments received-Letters 6475 & 6419)

QCAP is not able to prepare the following tax returns:

• Tax returns for other states
• Tax years prior to 2022
• Active military personnel
• Landlords, rental property, investment property
• International students (students on VISA)
• Business owners
• Schedule K-1 income
• Some short sales, foreclosure, or loan modifications