United Way Offers Free Tax Preparation Services for Santa Barbara County Residents
United Way is starting its 12th annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax filing services to local qualifying residents throughout Santa Barbara County.
The 2024 VITA program will run Feb. 6-April 15 at participating locations, including preparation sites at Transition House in downtown Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Eastside Branch, and Santa Barbara City College.
Participating 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.
Last year’s program served some 3,600 households, returning more than $2 million in tax refunds to the Santa Barbara community in 2023.
The partnership of 13 local nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and more than 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.
“We are very grateful for each of the volunteers who come together each year to provide this valuable resource to our community,” said Frances Contreras, director of programs and partnerships at United Way.
“With their continued support, thousands of families will have access to the program again this year and can rest assured that they’re getting high-quality and comprehensive service and support to help them navigate what can often be a complicated and challenging process,” Contreras said.
United Way of Santa Barbara County tax preparation sites:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 1-4pm (AARP)
Saturdays | 9am-1pm
320 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara CA 93101
Eastside Library
Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 4-7pm
1102 E Montecito St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Transition House
Every other Wednesday starting February 14 | 4-7pm
2/14, 2/28, 3/13, 3/27, 4/10
425 E Cota St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
SBCC Schott Center
Mondays & Thursdays | 4-7pm
310 W Padre St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Goleta Valley Community Center (AARP)
Fridays | 9am-12pm; 1-4pm
5679 Hollister Ave., Goleta, CA 93117
Required documentation includes:
● Proof of identification (driver’s license, state photo ID or other government-issued identification that includes a photo) Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
● An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted if you do not have a Social Security number
● Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
● Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
● Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
● Social Security Benefit Statements (SSA-1099), if applicable
● 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 such as a blank check
● Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
● Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
● Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.