What is VITA?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, is a FREE program offered by United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties. Through this program, our certified volunteers and tax preparers provide FREE tax preparation and filing services to individuals and households who meet the following criteria:
- Individual tax filer’s income (or household if filing jointly) below $73,000
- Have ALL tax documents
- Have copies of your ID and Social Security cards for ALL adults and ALL dependents
- Have zero rental properties or rental property income
- You must provide a void check/bank letter/last year’s tax return or other document that reflects your bank routing number and account number
- Returns will not be initiated without all required documents.
- You must complete Form 13614-c, and answer ALL questions (Click link to complete and PRINT or SAVE)
VITA Tax Prep is available to anyone regardless of age or need of assistance and all VITA Volunteers are local residents who receive IRS approved tax preparation training, are then certified by the Internal Revenue Service.
tax returns prepared in 2023 though VITA
refund value of VITA prepared returns in 2023
Want to Become a VITA Volunteer?
If you would like to learn a new skill, help others, and make a difference in the community by becoming a Certified Tax Preparer for the VITA program, please visit https://uwls.org/volunteer/ to sign up. For additional information, call Nishika Stafford at 352-787-7530 EXT. 231 or email her at Staffordn@uwls.org.
Volunteers earn a tax-preparer certification that can be used to enhance their resume, but also earn experience, confidence, and other valuable skills. These learned skills can help volunteers not only provide a hand up to fellow community members, but also to advance in their careers while making a difference.
Want to File Your Taxes through VITA?
VITA locations and hours for the 2024 tax season can be found below. These locations will be accepting appointments beginning February 1 through April 15, 2024. All locations are by appointment only.
Appointment scheduling for the 2024 tax season is coming soon!
Locations
Sumter County Youth Center
841 County Road 48 East
Bushnell, FL 33513
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Leesburg Resource Center
1041 County Road 468
Leesburg, FL 34748
Hours: Wednesday & Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cagan Crossings Community Library
16729 Cagan Oaks
Clermont, FL 34714
Hours: Monday, Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
What Documents Do I Need to Provide?
All VITA program participants will need to complete and/or provide the following:
- The IRS Intake Form (complete at link below and print or scan and email).
- 2023 Tax Return (for those who did not file with VITA in 2023)
Every year, struggling families have the stressful task of finding additional funds to have their taxes prepared and file the required tax return. Tax preparation can cost $200 on average and for families who live paycheck to paycheck, this could be the difference between paying the rent on time or purchasing groceries. Thanks to organizations like the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, that provide VITA programs in our community, families do not need to make those kinds of tough choices. VITA is one of the many ways that we provide support and services in the area of income assistance.
Need More Information or Have Questions?
Taxpayers who have questions about United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties VITA Program may call 352-787-7530 ext. 231 or email staffordn@UWLS.org.
Want to File Your Taxes Directly with the IRS?
Visit https://myfreetaxes.com/ for additional options!
