The UGA Cooperative Extension Office is offering free tax preparation service for Macon-Bibb residents. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, or VITA, is offered in tandem with the Internal Revenue Service, includes filing for federal and state income tax returns, and is available now through March 30.   

The filings will be reviewed by IRS-certified students on campus in Athens at the Charles Schwab Institute. Clients will work with the student virtually from the Macon-Bibb Extension Office to summarize the filing and secure appropriate signatures. All filings will be reviewed by an IRS certified Site Supervisor before uploading to TaxSlayer.  

“A lot of people have been doing their own taxes, but when tax laws change, or people have complex situations, it can be a challenge,” says Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Keishon Thomas. “We’ve provided this service in the past, prior to the pandemic, and we’re glad to bring this valuable service back to people and families.”  

Anyone who makes an appointment for VITA should bring the following:   

• Driver’s License or State ID for yourself and your spouse 
• Social security cards for yourself, spouse, and dependents 
• Income documents from all employees (W2, 1099, self-employment) 
• Previous tax returns 
• Proof of bank account including routing and account numbers for direct deposit 
• American Cares Act Statements (1095-A, B, or C) 

A list of other important information is in the flyer below.   

Through the VITA program, people living in our community have saved $24,000 in tax-filing fees and secured more than $108,716 in federal refunds. Click here to learn more about the VITA program and to make an appointment, call (478) 751-6338 or email Keishon Thomas at ThomasKJ@UGA.edu.