United Way is holding its 13th annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax filing services to local qualifying residents throughout Santa Barbara County.
The 2025 VITA program began Feb. 1 and runs until the close of the tax season on April 15.
The program will operate at sites throughout the county, including UC Santa Barbara, Goleta Valley Community Center, Santa Barbara Public Library’s Eastside Branch, and Santa Barbara City College.
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.
The 2024 program served some 2,000 households, returning more than $2.5 million in tax refunds to the Santa Barbara community.
The partnership of 13 local nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and nearly 150 volunteers is part of the United for Financial Empowerment Initiative. Since 2012, the partnership has been working to target the needs of local families in establishing a more resilient financial foundation.
“VITA volunteers are at the heart of this program,” said Frances Contreras, United Way’s director of Programs & Partnerships. “VITA has made a lasting difference for thousands of Santa Barbara County residents, connecting them with essential tax credits that have a significant impact on long-term financial resiliency.
“This is only possible with the outstanding dedication of each individual who contributes their time and talent through this program as a volunteer.”
Last year, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors recognized April 2024 as Tax Season, acknowledging the VITA program’s role in assisting low-income individuals and families with tax preparation.
The resolution noted the key role of the program’s volunteer network, which “foster a sense of community engagement and solidarity by volunteering their time and expertise to support fellow citizens in navigating the complexities of the tax system.”
“United Way’s VITA program is a cornerstone of our community’s well-being and helps hardworking families access crucial tax credits and put more money back in their pockets,” said Supervisor Laura Capps.
“The network of volunteer tax preparers are an invaluable part of building up our fellow community members’ financial stability and a stronger Santa Barbara County for everyone,” she said.
For more about the VITA program, or to learn about becoming a volunteer, contact United Way, 805-965-8591 or visit www.unitedwaysb.org/VITA
2025 Tax Preparation Sites:
United Way of Santa Barbara County
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. (AARP)
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
320 E. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Public Library – Eastside Branch
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m.
1102 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara
SBCC Schott Center
Mondays and Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m.
310 W. Padre St., Santa Barbara (Rm. 20)
Goleta Valley Community Center
Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon, and 1-4 p.m.
5679 Hollister Ave., Goleta
UC Santa Barbara
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Phelps Hall, (Rm. 1517)
Feb. 15 and March 15 – program site is in North Hall
No service Mar 22 and 29
Visit www.unitedwaysb.org/VITA for current site information, required documentation and information to bring, and other program details.