United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program returns to the Goleta Community Center (5679 Hollister Avenue) Friday’s during tax season. The VITA program provides free tax filing services to local qualifying residents throughout Santa Barbara County. Households making $67,000 or less can visit a participating location to have their taxes prepared and filed for free.

The VITA program will operate at sites throughout the county via appointment only Feb. 2 – April 15, including the Goleta Community Center, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Public Library’s Eastside Branch, and United Way of Santa Barbara County.

Program volunteers are IRS-certified tax preparers, and can help households prepare, and electronically file their tax returns. VITA volunteers can also assist with Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications and renewals.

2026 Tax Preparation Sites:

Goleta Community Center
5679 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA 93117
Fridays | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m.

United Way of Santa Barbara County
320 E. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 1-4 p.m.

Santa Barbara Public Library – Eastside Branch
1102 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Mondays & Fridays | 4-7 p.m.
Saturdays | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

UC Santa Barbara
Location TBD
Saturdays | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Please visit www.unitedwaysb.org/VITA to make an appointment, for up-to-date site information, required documentation and information to bring, and other program details. 

There will be Spanish interpretation available on limited days. When registering online you can request a Spanish speaking tax professional. If one is not available that day, the United Way will reach out to reschedule.