Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Low and middle-income Rhode Islanders can get free help filing their taxes and applying for tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiative providing free tax preparation services for under-served populations.  It assists those earning $55,000/year, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers.  Many agencies, like the PHA, offer these free services to the community. As a result, Rhode Islanders access tax credits.  That is to say, they put more money in their pockets at the end of each tax season to pay down debt, make a large purchase, or save for the future.

VITA in RI

Aside from the PHA, there are several Providence area sites hosting the VITA program.  Each is staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers who electronic file your return.  To learn more about the program or locate a site, utilize the VITA locator tool found on the IRS website.

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation also lists several resources for free online filing through their website if you want to file on your own.

VITA at the PHA

The PHA VITA program runs from the end of January through the final tax filing deadline mid-April.  Assistance is provided by volunteers in both the English and Spanish language.  Bring a copy of your previous year’s return and paperwork tied to that return, social security cards for all members of the household, and a picture ID, as well as all 2018 W-2 and 1099 forms to your appointment. Similarly, to have your return direct deposited into your bank account, bring a check or your savings account and routing number information.

PHA Location:  Thomas J. Anton Community Center at 50 Laurel Hill Ave Providence, RI 02909