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.

To volunteer, please contact:

Community Action of South Mississippi
228-769-3292 or lkendrick@casoms.org