What You Need for VITA Tax Prep

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Completed IRS Form 13614-C Intake/Interview and QR Sheet and required documentation.

Please bring the following documents for your tax preparation visit:  

  • Photo Identification (government-issued) for taxpayers and spouse (if applicable) 
  • If filing jointly, both spouses must be present to sign the tax return and e-file return.
  • All income statements: W-2, 1099s, 1099-R, Social Security Benefits SSA-1099, Unemployment 1099-G and other income sources (cash, tips, or other property/services)  

o   Qualified Tip Income – Bring Last Paystub, Employer Documentation

o   Qualified Overtime – Bring Last Paystub and Employer Documentation

  • Documentation for all deductions/credits (including qualified charitable contributions), energy, educator expense, student loan interest, etc.)   
  • Social Security cards and/or ITIN cards for taxpayers, spouse, and all dependents 
  • If you need to request a replacement Social Security card or update your Social Security record, please contact your nearest office:  Social Security Office Locator 
  • An Individual Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter can substitute if you do not have a Social Security number (SSN) for the taxpayer, spouse, and all dependents. 
  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN 
  • Birth dates for taxpayers, spouses, and all dependents.
  • CP01A Notice new Identity Protection PIN – Current Tax Year - Get An IP PIN 
  •  Copy of last year’s tax return  
  • Prior year returns, copies of IRS unmasked income transcripts (and state, if applicable)  
  • Tuition Statement (1098-T) and related expenses from college or technical school  
  • College students: Please indicate if you are dependent on your parents’ tax return. 
  • Statement from Child Care Provider includes total amount paid and tax ID number.
  • Health Insurance Coverage Statements: Form 1095-A (Marketplace), B, or C 
  • Independent contractor (Schedule C) - Total categorized business expenses 
  • Out of Scope – Sch C with loss, depreciation, or business use of home 
  • Accessing the Uber and Lyft Dashboard Summary: For a more comprehensive breakdown, visit the website instead of the rideshare app. Rideshare Tax Organizer 
  • Uber and Lyft mileage log – mileage you tracked for rideshare and/or delivery services.
  • HSA Statement/Form (s) - 1099-SA (distributions) and 5498-SA (contributions)  
  • Proof of bank routing and account number (for direct deposit or withdrawal) 
  • Also, visit the FDIC website for information on where to find a bank that can open an account online and how to choose the right account for you. (Source: www.irs.gov). 
    • What will happen if taxpayers do not include direct deposit information on tax returns? (added Jan. 27, 2026) (Source: https://www.irs.gov)
      • A5. Providing electronic payment information is voluntary. If taxpayers do not provide this information and no exception applies, their refunds could take longer to process. Taxpayers should provide direct deposit information when filing a tax return. If banking information is missing when filing a tax return, the tax return will still be accepted and processed. However, when filing electronically, the taxpayer may receive an alert notifying them of the missing banking information and outlining the next steps if they are due to a refund.
      • For all taxpayers with missing information, the IRS will send letters to individuals using their last-known address on record, asking them to update their banking information if they did not provide it on their tax return, or if their financial institution rejected the direct deposit. 
    • The taxpayer will then receive CP53E notice in the mail requesting a response within 30 days, either to provide banking information or to explain why such information cannot be provided. Additionally, the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov will provide messaging related to the need for banking information. The taxpayer will be able to use the IRS Individual Online Account to provide this information. For security reasons, IRS employees cannot take direct deposit information over the phone or in person.
    • Once the taxpayer provides the direct deposit information or exception, the refund will be immediately released via direct deposit or paper check. If there is no response to the notice and there are no other issues with the tax return, the refund will be released as a paper check after six weeks.

Self-Employed Taxpayers

IRS VITA program self-employed taxpayer(s) requirements:

  • Have gross receipts summarized.
  • Business expenses totaled less than $35,000.
  • Car expenses include total miles driven, miles used for business, miles commuting and miles used for personal use. Vehicle expenses such as gas, oil, maintenance, etc. cannot be reported as car expenses. Car rental or lease cannot be for more than 30 days.
  • Used the “cash” method of accounting.
  • Did NOT have an inventory at any time during the year.
  • Did NOT have a net loss from your business.
  • Had only one (1) business as a sole proprietor, qualified joint venture, or statutory employee
  • Do not require any credit card or similar payments that include amounts that are not includable income.
  • Are not required to file Form 4562, Depreciation and Amortization, for this business.
  • Had no employees during the year.
  • Do NOT deduct expenses for business use of your home.
  • Do NOT have prior year un-allowed passive activity losses from this business.
  • Do NOT have transactions involving virtual currency (bitcoins)
  • Income IS NOT from a hobby or not for profit activity, bartering or professional gambling.

If you do not meet the requirements, your 2025 tax return will need to be prepared by a paid preparer.

More Help for Taxpayers Click Here - Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) for more information about filing your return. 

Alternative Scanning Methods

If you have a smart device (phone, tablet/computer), you can use Genius Scan app.

  1. Download Genius Scan app.
  2. Open the app > Place document on flat surface.
  3. Press the orange circle w/ + symbol to begin creating pdf file.
  4. Press the moving circle above scan to take a picture of document.
  5. Select the + symbol to allow adding more pages to the file.
  6. Select Done > Select Add Tag and Name Your Tax File 
  7. Upload the PDF file to the respective folder.
  8. Email any questions or concerns to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Print a PDF File:

To print to a PDF for Form 14446 and Form 13614-C, follow these steps:

  1. Open/Download the document or content you wish to print and press Ctrl + P at same time 
    The Print menu will appear with printing options.
  2. Open the Printer or Destination drop-down menu (Click down arrow) 
    A menu of printer choices appears.
  3. Select Save as PDF or Microsoft Print to PDF 
    Most applications, you must first click Save as File before you can select PDF as the saved file type.
  4. Click Print

Here, you will save the PDF File i.e., TY2025 Form 14446_Taxpayer Last Name First Initial

Then, upload the file to the respective folder. Email any questions or concerns to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please ensure ALL scanned documents for the review process are readable and legible. 

Services Provided for Tax Season 2026

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In-Person – Appointment:  Requires the client to schedule an appointment, visit the tax site in-person with their tax documents, and complete the intake forms.  A tax preparer completes the tax return on-site with the client present.

Limited walk-in and drop-off service available on a first-come, first-served basis due to the day’s client service volume. 

(Subject to volunteer availability and public health safety guidelines) 

100% Virtual VITA – Appointment Required. No personal interaction with volunteers or tax clients, during the interview intake, return preparation, quality review, and signing the tax return. ALL completed tax service steps use secure online applications.  

Taxpayer receives an explanation of the virtual process and consent including onboarding required documents through a secure client portal. Tax clients must complete Form 14446 Virtual VITA/TCE Taxpayer Consent and Form 13614-C Intake Interview forms and electronically submit tax documents. The taxpayer is responsible for printing and retaining a copy of the tax return. 

Drop-off Tax Service: Hybrid – Taxpayer will bring tax documents to tax site to scan into folder, complete Form 13614-C intake forms, taxes are prepared without client present. Quality review options: in-person by appointment or virtual to review, sign, and e-file the tax return. 

Self-Prepared Tax Preparation (Qualified Taxpayers) – NO VITA Tax Service Provided  

  • 24/7 Availability, self-preparation options 
  • Online tax programs are available for self-preparation of tax return for filers who earn < $89K. 

 

VITA Appointment INFO

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Where Do I Start to Schedule an Appointment? 

  1. Call (404) 696-2076 – Please leave only one message by voicemail. 
  1. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – Please leave only one message in the email. 

A VITA tax representative will respond within 48-72 hours of your call or email for tax services. 

Please complete all VITA Instructions and forms in their entirety. For us to best assist you, please ensure all information is complete by the applicable deadline BEFORE the appointment. 

****All electronically submitted tax documents should be PDF format.

WHERE TO START 

  1. Call to schedule an appointment – when scheduling please ensure you provide the correct phone number to reach you. 
    • Only one email address used per client to make an appointment. (The system may accept the same email for more than one appointment and send two confirmation emails; however, only the last appointment made with the accepted email provided.) 
    • If you need to make an appointment for more than one person in your household, you must utilize different emails for each taxpayer requesting an appointment. 
    • Upon successful appointment booking, the taxpayer will receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folder if it does not appear in your inbox within 15 minutes. 
  1. Available in-person, drop-off, and virtual appointments occur on Saturdays (9:00am-2:00pm) NOON Cut-Off 
  1. Available 100% virtual tax service appointments occur only on Wednesdays (10:00am-2:00pm) NOON Cut-Off or (5:00-7:00pm TENTATIVE) (evening appointments depend on volunteer availability). 
  1. Virtual tax service requires a personal email and access to a computer/tablet/smartphone to upload documents. 

 

 

 

 WHAT TO EXPECT - In-Person or VIRTUAL APPOINTMENT 

  1. Prior to your appointment, complete Form 13614-C Intake Form and Form 14446 Virtual VITA Taxpayer Consent. Please download, enter information, save, and upload the form as advised by the tax site representative. 
  1. In-Person Tax Appointment Day/Time: Please be available to sign in at least 30-45 minutes prior to appointment with the EBC VITA tax site representative.  
  1. Virtual Tax Appointment Day/Time: Please be available at least 10-15 minutes prior to the phone call, if applicable. You will need to be available for inquiry responses.
  1. If you need to change or cancel an in-person or virtual appointment, please use the appointment system – unless it is last minute, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (404) 696-2076. 
  1. The EBC VITA tax representative will ask identifying, basic qualification/eligibility questions as well as instruct the taxpayer on the document uploading process. 
  1. The In-Person and Virtual tax service utilizes the EBC VITA secure portal and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Slayer software program, Customer Portal. 

Taxpayers must complete the required steps: 

  1. Visit EBC VITA website. (www.ebccares.org/vita) 


  2. Complete Form 13614-C and Form 14446 


  3. Upload identification, tax documents and forms, and other applicable data for tax preparation 


  4. At your initial appointment, the VITA Tax Preparer will send you a link to login/sign-up into the TaxSlayer Customer Portal.  You will create your own personalized username and password. 
    • (Virtual) - The Tax Slayer program allows you to upload documents, review and sign your tax return as well as communicate/message with your tax preparer.  
    • (In-Person and Virtual) EBC VITA Secure Portal – The secure online portal platform allows you to upload documents, review, and sign documents via Adobe Sign if unable to sign in the Tax Slayer customer portal. 

 

  1. Multiple tax years will need drop-off or virtual tax service and will require more time.
  1. The assigned tax preparer contacts you to begin preparing your tax return. Based on the tax information receipt, the turnaround time can the average turnaround time for completion of your tax returns is up to one week. 
  1. The quality reviewer will perform the tax return review.  Your tax returns will be available through the TaxSlayer customer portal for you to review and sign electronically.
  1. The quality reviewer will then change the tax return status to Ready to e-file.
  1. The Site Coordinator or designated VITA Tax Rep will electronically submit the returns to both tax agencies, the IRS and appropriate state.
  2. If the return rejects, we will call you on the phone number provided above.  

Check Your Refund Status, please visit the appropriate tax agency: 

Note: The tax return status will display up to 72 hours after e-filing the tax return. 

If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit, your federal tax refund will be delayed regardless of whether you use free tax preparation or go to a paid tax preparer 

IMPORTANT:  During tax preparation services should any questions arise in either method a VITA tax representative will contact you via a phone call – be sure to provide the best daytime phone number and voicemail. Please verify the call is from the VITA tax representative.  If you have any concerns about the security of the person calling you, please call (404) 696-2076. If we cannot contact you, this will delay processing and completing your tax return. Please be available during your scheduled time. 

 Reminder: All individuals receiving this free tax preparation service are responsible for the information on their tax return.

VITA Tax Ministry Info

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The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program operating for over 50 years offers free tax preparation service to taxpayers who generally earn $69,000 or less; seniors, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers for 2026 tax year. 

EBC CARES Inc., EBC Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Ministry provides free income tax filing and preparation services for individuals and families with low to moderate household incomes. During the tax season, our IRS-certified volunteers are ready to prepare and electronically file your tax returns. Volunteers can assist with general tax information, tax preparation, and filing, all free of charge. 

 

 2026 Tax Season – EBC VITA Site Operation Calendar Dates 

 

   

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 

Closed 

February 7th - Opening

Saturday – (Noon Cut-off) 

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

February 11th ,18th ,25th

Wednesday - (Noon Cut-off) 

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

February 14th ,21st ,28th   

Saturday – (Noon Cut-off) 

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

March 7th ,14th ,21st ,28th  

Saturday – (Noon Cut-off) 

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

March 11th ,18th, 25th  

Wednesday - (Noon Cut-off) 

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

April 4th, 11th  

Saturday – (Noon Cut-off) 

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

April 8th,15th  

Wednesday - (Noon Cut-off) 

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

  

Thursday and Friday 

Closed 

Limited Service: WALK-IN or DROP-OFF – Available on a first-come, first-served basis  

(Subject to volunteer availability and day’s client service volume)