TAX ASSISTANCE

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VITA)

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taxes

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The VITA program is a free tax preparation service for local Santa Barbara County residents who make $67,000 or less a year. During the tax season of January through October, returns are prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified volunteers for qualified individuals or families. Volunteer tax preparers can assist with general tax information, tax preparation, and filing, along with ITIN applications and renewals.

For more information on eligibility, filing, or participation in the program, please view the information below. The 2025 program will operate through April 15th, 2025. For any special accommodations and or questions about the program, please email: edelgadillo@unitedwaysb.org.

 

United Way of Santa Barbara County & Supervisor Laura Capps Present: 2025 Mega Tax Day & Community Resource Fair!

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Franklin Elementary School
1111 E. Mason Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
*Tax preparation services are available by appointment only. 

Appointments: www.unitedwaysb.org/Tax-Day

The Community Resource Fair will run alongside tax appointments, connecting students, individuals, and families with local services and financial tools. The Resource Fair is open to all community members—even if you're not receiving tax services. Everyone is welcome to stop by, gather resources, and connect with local organizations working to strengthen financial stability and family well-being.

 

 

Mega Tax Day + WEV Financial Empowerment Workshop: Mindful Budgeting: Build Confidence & Take Control of Your Finances

Join us for a free 90-minute workshop designed to help you take charge of your personal finances and build long-term financial stability.

In this workshop, you will:

  • Set meaningful financial goals
  • Understand your “money mindset”
  • Learn how to budget, pay down debt, and manage your money with confidence

Offered in both English and Spanish

Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Learn more and register here. 

All sites will operate through April 15th, 2025. 

United Way of Santa Barbara County

320 E Gutierrez Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Tues | Wed 1:00pm - 4:00pm (AARP)

Saturdays 9:00am - 1:00pm

*Opens February 1st, 2025

**No services April 12th, 2025 (Mega Tax Day)

 

UCSB

Santa Barbara, CA 93106

Saturdays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

*Opens February 8th, 2025 

*No Service Mar 22 & 29

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Feb 8: Phelps Hall 1518

Feb 15: North Hall 1122A

Feb 22: Phelps Hall 1518

March 1: Phelps Hall 1518

March 8: Phelps Hall 1518

March 15: North Hall 1122A

April 5 : Phelps Hall 1518

April 12: Phelps Hall 1518

Maps: Phelps Hall 1518 North Hall 1122A

Santa Barbara Public Library - Eastside Library

MLK Room

1102 E Montecito Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

MLK Room

Tues | Wed 4:00pm-7:00pm

*Opens February 11th, 2025 

 

Goleta Valley Community Center

5679 Hollister Ave

Goleta, CA 93117

Fridays 9:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00pm - 4:00pm (AARP)

*Opens January 31st, 2025

Santa Barbara City College - Schott Center

310 W Padre Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Room 20

Mon | Wed 4:00pm - 7:00pm

*Opens February 3rd, 2025

ELIGIBILITY
  • You must have a 2023 household income of $67,000 or less.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS LIST
  • Proof of identification (driver’s license, state photo ID or other government issued identification that includes a photo)
  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents 
    • Note: If you need to request a replacement card or update your Social Security record, go to Social Security number & card to find the best way to do this.
    • 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 an ITIN
  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
  • Social Security Benefit Statements (SSA-1099), if applicable
  • 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 such as 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 Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
  • Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Check below for the most up to date schedule of VITA sites. Site hours are subject to change. 
  • Make sure you have all of the required documents listed. 
 

 


 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 

IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

Click here to volunteer for the 2025 VITA Program. 

For questions, please contact Estefany Delgadillo at edelgadillo@unitedwaysb.org or (805) 965-8594. 

Self-filing is a good option for tax filers who are filing a current year tax return (2024), are comfortable using online tax software, and want to learn how to file on their own, and who have earned less than $67,000 in 2024. 

Click here to self-file your taxes for free.