Increasing the number of families claiming the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit). Serving Bristol, Farmington, Meriden, New Britain, Plymouth, Southington, Wallingford, and Vernon.
Program Offers:
- Preparation and filing of annual tax returns by IRS-certified volunteers. All volunteers must be certified in Standards of Conduct (Ethics) and Current Tax Law along with other IRS required training. Training is updated annually.
- Free of charge service to families and individuals whose total household income is $65,000 or less.
All information is kept strictly confidential. Call (860) 356-2000 for an appointment.
Last day to file tax returns: April 15, 2024
Download Program Flyer › See Locations & Hours › Volunteer Application ›Volunteer Portal ›
Choose from the Methods Below To File Your FREE Income Tax Return:
In-Person Assistance:
Schedule your FREE income tax assistance appointment at one of our locations. Call our automated appointment scheduling system at (860) 356-2000 to schedule an appointment, or schedule an appointment online ›
Drop-Off Appointments:
Schedule an appointment to drop off your tax return documents at a local VITA site. An appointment is necessary in order to drop off your documents. You may wait in a vehicle until your return is complete, or schedule a time to return to pick up your documents. Call our automated appointment scheduling system at (860) 356-2000 to schedule an appointment, or schedule an appointment online ›
Virtual VITA:
Submit documents electronically through our secure Virtual VITA program sponsored by Code for America and Get Your Refund! Begin the process through our secure system ›
Bring to Your Appointment:
- Photo identification or valid driver’s license
- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer ID Number(s) for all household members
- Birth dates for you, your spouse, and your dependents
- Wage and earning statement(s) forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from all banks (Form 1099)
- Forms 1095 A, B or C, Affordable Care Act Statements
- Copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
- Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit (blank check or a letter from your bank)
- Other relevant information:
- Receipts from child care providers, with provider’s identifying number
- Education expenses and student loan information
- List of all business income and expenses, if applicable
- Married taxpayers filing a joint return: both spouses must be present to sign required forms
7 Good Reasons to Become a VITA Volunteer
- You don’t need to be an accountant & you don’t need experience.
- The IRS will train you—for free. Training will prepare you to pass the certification test.
- Flexible hours to fit your schedule.
- Convenient locations.
- You’ll be proud to be part of a nationwide program that has helped low-income people file tax returns at no cost for 40+ years.
- Simply put, you’ll feel good helping your community—and you’ll have fun doing it with HRA’s dedicated team that has been preparing returns since 2004.
- It’s easy to sign up!
Success Story
“Juanita” (fictitious name), a single mother, came out of jail after 120 days with nothing—except accumulating debt. She lost her two jobs, her apartment, her car, and all of her furnishings. While she was in jail her mother took custody of her two boys, aged 17 and 9.
HRA’s VITA for Adults Program helped her get back on her feet by preparing her tax return. Between Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and other child tax credits, her tax refund was more than $8,000. She paid off her utility debt and was able to put down a deposit and first month’s rent on a new apartment. Juanita was also able to purchase clothing for her children and the furniture she needed for her new home.
HRA’s help did not end with preparing her taxes. Juanita’s case manager helped her get one of her jobs back within one month of her release. She has a good full-time job and uses public transportation. In addition, her case manager helped her get food from HRA’s New Britain Food and Resource Center as well as SNAP and energy assistance.
Juanita’s mother lives with her and takes care of her children while she’s at work. Her oldest son participated in HRA’s Summer Youth Employment Program and she plans to participate in HRA’s IDA program so she can save for another car.
For more information on tax preparation, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.
Program funded by American Savings Foundation, United Way of Central and Northeastern CT, United Way of West Central CT, United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, Main Street Community Foundation, Farmington Bank Community Foundation, and United States Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service,