Free Tax Preparation Assistance
If you’re unsure how to do your taxes, have specific questions, or want to be sure you’re completing the forms correctly, MakingChange can guide you.
You’re eligible to meet with one of our IRS-certified volunteers if you earn $60,000 or less annually. It’s a great alternative to companies that charge you for advice, not just because our help is free but also because we make it a personal experience. Our volunteers spend time with you to learn about your specific tax situation, and with a one-on-one connection they can provide customized assistance.
Preparing your taxes can be confusing, so we offer guidance in plain language that’s easy to understand. We’re going to make you feel comfortable that you are filing your taxes accurately and even can help you if you haven’t filed in a while or if you owe back taxes. Clients trust us and come back year after year. So do our volunteers, because they love what they do!
The VITA Site closed on July 19, 2023 and will reopen in January 2024.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site is closed for the remainder of 2023. The site will tentatively reopen in January 2024, more details will be posted by November 2023. If you are in need of tax preparation services, please contact the IRS to find a location that is still open.
If you have any general questions about the VITA program with MakingChange, Inc. and/or are interested in volunteering for this tax season, please send us an email at VITA@makingchangecenter.org.
We are here to help you and look forward to assisting you with your tax service needs in 2024!
What you should be prepared to provide to a Tax Preparer:
- A social security card for EACH family member (original, copies not accepted)
- A photo ID for each filer (original, copies not accepted)
- W-2 forms for all jobs worked during the tax year for which you are requesting assistance
- Form 1095-A if you have health insurance through the marketplace
- If relevant, your childcare provider's name, address and tax ID number
- All banking account information (a voided check and/or savings deposit slip) to set up direct deposit for your refund
- A copy of last year's tax return
- Any documentation or information about money you have received from the IRS or State of Maryland
- All 1099 forms for other income
- Any other tax-related documents
I have always enjoyed the challenge of preparing my own taxes each year. In 2011, I started volunteering at VITA with MakingChange and helping families in Howard County complete their tax forms. It is such a win-win and a delight to see the smiles and appreciation of our VITA clients as this yearly task is finished.