Frequently Asked Questions

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services to low- and medium-income individuals and families in the community. The program is a federally sponsored and administrated program which is monitored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). VITA programs are operated by non-profit organizations, including some cities throughout the USA. The VITA program ensures that tax returns are prepared accurately and that clients receive all the tax benefits to which they are entitled. This is accomplished with a professional level of service, in a safe and secure environment, for those members of the community that need it the most.

The VITA program is aimed at people who cannot afford to pay for tax preparation assistance. VITA is targeted at families and individuals who make $67,000 or less annually. However, if you have suffered a job loss or other financial hardship, the program is flexible and may be able to accommodate you.

VITA volunteers can prepare most basic federal and state returns along with the related schedules, such as A, B, C, & D. VITA also prepares amended returns and Married Filing Separately if you do not live with your spouse or co-mingle funds.

We cannot complete tax returns that have rental income, crypto currency, or solar. We also cannot complete business taxes that are not listed on a Schedule C.

If you qualify for our program we do not charge for our services.

You will need to bring your and anyone who is listed on the tax return social security card, you and your spouse’s photo identification, and all your tax documents. For a completed list please see our Prepare For Your Appointment page.

VITA averages about an two hours per return. However, the time required will vary depending upon the complexity of the return and availability of tax preparers.

Yes. Volunteers go through an intensive, IRS developed a training program specifically for VITA volunteers. Finally, every volunteer must pass an IRS certification test; no one is allowed to prepare taxes until they have completed their Volunteer Standards of Conduct, Intake Certification, and Advanced Preparation Certification.

Yes. The IRS maintains strict rules about privacy and security. Each site must have the ability to lock up all physical tax information. In addition, the sites use secured computers and only the IRS and limited personnel can access tax information once it has been prepared and submitted. The IRS will provide the City information such as the total amount refunded by the VITA site, or the total number of returns processed by the site, but no personal or individually identifiable information is ever released through the VITA program.

Please see our Site Locations page for Locations and Hours.

Please see our Site Locations page for Locations and Hours.

These types of appointments are assigned on a case-by-case basis. Please cam 480-834-2123 leave your name, phone number, and request for a home or virtual appointment and we will call you back.

Most of our sites take walk-ins. Please see our Site Locations page for site specific information.

Yes, VITA sites primarily use electronic filing. If you need a paper return the sites can do that as well.

Yes, VITA sites can set up your refund to be direct deposited. You will need to bring your routing and account number with you.

Direct deposit tends to be significantly faster than a mailed check, often within as little as eight days after filing. 

You can pick up your return one week after submitting your documents at the preparation location. If that location is closed, please email vita@azuracares.org, and a team member will provide you with an update on your tax return status.

Yes, please send an email to us at vita@azuracares.org regarding your situation and we will get back to you regarding next steps.

Yes, we can help with up to ten years of past taxes.

You will need to go to the IRS office located at 1818 West Southern Avenue in Mesa and request a non-redacted Wage and Income Transcript for the tax years that you want to file.

Yes, we can complete amended tax returns. You will need to bring your and anyone listed on the tax return social security card, you and your spouse’s photo identification, all your tax documents, and your previously filed tax return.

We cannot see the status of your refund. To get this information you will need to go to the IRS’s website at https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund

For information on where to mail your federal return please go the website https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment

For information on where to mail your state return please go the website https://azdor.gov/contact-us/mailing-addresses

Yes, if your tax return was prepared in the east valley at a Mesa United Way or Azura site please send us an email to vita@azuracares.org and we will help you obtain a copy of your tax return. If your tax return was prepared VITA organization other than Mesa United Way or Azura you will need to contact them or the IRS to obtain a copy of your tax return.

If you have only social security income, you are not required to file your tax return. Although to an increase in identity theft we do recommend that you have your taxes prepared and filed. We will do this free of charge.

According to the IRS, only if the corrected information would impact the outcome of the tax return do you need to update the return with the IRS. If correcting the information does impact the outcome of the tax return, you will need to complete an amended return.

No, we do not provide financial advice or legal tax assistance. For legal tax assistance please contact Community Legal Services at 602-258-3434.

You can go to the IRS website at https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ and find a tax site closets to you.