Orange County encourages eligible residents to avoid unnecessary fees this tax season by relying on the RSVP-VITA tax preparation service. All VITA services are free, including electronic filing for both federal and state tax returns.
The IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will begin its free service in early February 2014, in Orange and Chatham Counties. VITA is available to clients with low to moderate income, regardless of age or county residency, as long as eligibility guidelines are met.
For a listing of specific dates, locations, eligibility, what to bring and to make appointments online, please visit www.orangecountync.gov/aging/VITA.asp. Clients can also make appointments by phone after January 15, 2014. Allow two hours for each appointment. Additional information will be available in January at local libraries and online.
IRS-certified volunteers are trained to prepare computerized federal and state tax returns for eligible clients. Returns are filed electronically at no charge. Each return is reviewed for accuracy and to determine that the return is complete with all applicable deductions and credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Clients with lengthy returns may have to go to a paid preparer. Non-English-speaking clients must bring an interpreter with them.
Appointment Locations
- Orange County: 919.245.4242 (English)
- Orange County: 919.245.2010 (Spanish)
- Compass Center for Women and Families: 919.968.4610 (English only)
- Chatham County: 919.542.4512 (Chris Carter)
- Chatham County: 919.742.1448 (Spanish)
Orange County has provided VITA assistance for more than 30 years with support from the following local sponsors: Orange County RSVP Volunteer Program, Orange County Department on Aging, Chatham County Council on Aging, Chatham Community Library, Central Carolina Community College, the Compass Center for Women and Families, Cumberland Community Action Program, Inc., United Way of the Greater Triangle, Towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill, Carol Woods, The Cedars, Orange County Department of Social Services, and UNC Hospitals.
Federal sponsors include the IRS and the Corporation for National and Community Service-Senior Corps.
