Tulsans who are earning less than $60,000 qualify to participate in the Goodwill Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
VITA is a free tax filing assistance service, a joint initiative of Goodwill Industries of Tulsa and Tulsa Responds.
It provides an accessible, cost-free way for households to file their taxes and determine eligibility for refunds or additional tax credits.
Taxpayers may qualify to receive tax returns or credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit but must file first to determine eligibility.
Each of the 13 VITA sites is staffed with IRS-certified tax preparers who are trained to help taxpayers access the credits and refunds they are entitled to for the year.
Appointments are available in English and Spanish, or additional languages through a translation service.
“This vital service can make such a difference for our families and neighbors,” said Tulsa Responds executive director Marcela Swenson. “We understand that filing taxes can be intimidating, but the VITA program makes it simple. Our IRS-certified tax preparers are there every step of the way to make sure the process is easy, uncomplicated, and beneficial for Tulsa taxpayers.”
Last year, the VITA program filed over 3,270 tax returns for Tulsans, resulting in over $5,530,728 in refunds to taxpayers.
“We are grateful to our volunteers who give their time each year to make this program possible,” said Victoria Annesley, tax program manager with Goodwill Industries of Tulsa. “The service they provide can have potentially life-changing impacts on hardworking households that qualify for refunds or credits like the EITC.”
The ETIC is an annual tax credit for low-to-moderate-income families who meet certain requirements based on income, tax filing status, and number of children.
Families who qualify may receive between $560 to $6,935 in credit.
To book an appointment or learn more about offered services, click here.