FREE: Your tax refund belongs in your pocket. While other rapid refund services charge hefty fees and interest rates, VITA is entirely free for those who qualify.

FAST: When you file electronically, you’ll receive your tax refund in your bank account within seven to ten days at no additional cost.

ACCURATE: Our IRS-certified volunteers undergo extensive training and testing to ensure your tax return is prepared and filed correctly.

United Way of Greater Stark County uses free tax software from the Ohio Benefit Bank, which sets the earned income limits permissible for free tax preparation. VITA-qualified taxpayers include:

• Single income filers who earn $65,000 a year or less
• Joint income filers who earn $95,000 a year or less can file at www.myfreetaxes.com
• Taxpayers with disabilities
• Taxpayers who speak limited English

Certain income may be out of scope for our free tax preparation services, including:

• Farm income
• Other gains and losses
• Schedule C itemized expenses of more than $5,000
• Rental income and schedule K

Schedule an appointment to see if you qualify for VITA.

Book an Appointment

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit issued by the federal government to low-income taxpayers. To claim the EITC, the IRS requires that you earn regular income from a job in the form of wages, tips, commission and/or salaries.

To qualify for the 2017 EITC, your earned income and adjusted gross income must each be less than $48,340 for single filers or $53,930 for married joint filers with three or more qualifying children. The maximum EITC for 2017 is $6,318.

Check if you Qualify

Please bring the following documents to your appointment:

• A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns
• Your Ohio Benefit Bank login and password, if applicable
• Photo ID or proof of identification
• Social security cards for you, your spouse and dependents (An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number assignment letter may be substituted if social security numbers are not available)
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• All Forms 1095 and Health Insurance Statements (1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements)
• Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
• Blank check or proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• (Deposit slips are not acceptable)
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number, such as a social security number or Business Employer Identification Number
• Copies of income transcripts from the IRS and state, if applicable

Please note that to file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Yes, VITA-qualified taxpayers can file their own taxes for free through the Ohio Benefit Bank. To get started:

• Visit the Ohio Benefit Bank website, and create a secure login and password.
• Prepare your federal and state tax returns following the instructions on the screen.

You will be notified by email if your returns are accepted. Once accepted, your refund will be directly deposited into your checking or savings account in seven to ten days.

Need help? Contact us for more information.

Make a difference this tax season by serving as a VITA volunteer. We offer flexible hours — typically four to five hours per week from January through April — and no previous experience is required. Our volunteers receive free, specialized training and can serve in a variety of roles, including greeter, tax preparer and quality reviewer.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Basic computer proficiency
• Willingness to work with diverse populations
• Flexibility to assist in other areas, as directed by the Site Coordinator
• Ability to successfully complete IRS tax law and e-file training and certification program (Tax preparers and quality reviewers only)

Contact us at 330-491-9989 for more information, or complete the volunteer application.

Register to Volunteer