What is VITA?
FREE, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance — the program offers free tax preparation and electronic filing for a quick refund. VITA helps individuals and families, with annual incomes up to $60,000, get ahead financially, pay down debt and work toward saving for the future.
3,359 tax returns were completed in 2022 bringing $6,842.175 back into our community through refunds!
VITA sites are open now until April 18, 2023!
What to bring with you to your tax appointment:
- Proof of identification (photo ID) for you and your spouse
- Social Security card(s) for you, your spouse, and dependents
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse, and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security Number
- Proof of foreign status, if applying for ITIN
- Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return
- Wage and earning statements (W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC) from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
- A copy of last year's federal and state returns, if available
- Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit (i.e. a blank check)
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number, such as their SS Number or business Employer ID Number
- Forms 1095-A, B, and C, Health Coverage Statements
- Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
- Economic Impact Payment (Recovery Rebate Credit) **You will need to provide the amounts for the 1st and 2nd deposit.**
- Identity PIN number issued from the IRS, if applicable
South Mississippi VITA Partnership has a site near you!
Jackson County
5343 Jefferson Avenue
Moss Point, MS 39563
228.769.3292
Monday - Thursday 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
George County
7102 Highway 98 East
Lucedale, MS 39452
601.947.5989
By Appointment Only
Mercy Housing &
Human Development
1135 Ford Street
Gulfport, MS 39507
228.896.1945
tevans@mhhd.org
By Appointment Only
Harrison County
500 24th Street
Gulfport, MS 39507
228.284.6776
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
By Appointment Only
Keesler AFB
Airman & Family Readiness Office
Room 134, Levitow Building
228.377.5311
By Appointment Only
Become a VITA Volunteer!
At VITA sites, IRS-trained and certified volunteers work one-on-one with filers to prepare and electronically file state and federal income tax forms at no charge and determine qualifications for tax credits and refunds.
You can help by:
- Preparing and filing income tax returns with filers; or
- Greeting filers, managing appointment schedules; and
- Helping filers learn about ways to save and stretch their refunds; or
- Translating languages for volunteers and filers
What you need:
- Experience using computers
- Time to volunteer Mid-January through Mid-April
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
What’s in it for you?
VITA is a meaningful, unique experience for the volunteers and filers. As a volunteer, you’ll:
- Learn valuable, lifelong skills that can be used personally or professionally.
- Obtain an IRS certification to build your resume
- Make a difference in the community where you live. Each tax return completed by a volunteer could raise a family’s earned income by an average of $1,850.