Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) Now Offering Virtual VITA Assistance to Tax Filers

Apr.29, 2020

(Hartford, Conn.) April 29, 2020  While VITA sites across Connecticut suspended in-person support in compliance with COVID-19 distancing mandates, the VITA program now offers free tax help to low and moderate income filers through internet-based virtual appointments.

The Internal Revenue Service and Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services have extended their deadlines to file and pay federal income taxes to July 15, 2020.

Connecticut tax filers with 2019 incomes up to $56,000 who wish to make a free virtual VITA appointment with a VITA representative in their region may visit may visit  211ct.org/taxhelp or call 2-1-1 and press 3 and then 6.

To participate in the virtual VITA program, taxpayers must have access to technology (smartphone, tablet or computer) and access to WiFi. They must also have a valid phone number and email address.

MyFreeTaxes.com is also available for individuals who are interested in preparing their tax return online. MyFreeTaxes.com is free to all tax filers; there is no income requirement.

To prepare for their virtual VITA appointments, tax filers must gather all their 2019 tax documentation, including picture ID, social security cards or Taxpayer Identification Number, birth dates for the filer, spouse and dependents; wage and earnings statements (Form W-2, W2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all their 2018 employers); interest and dividend statements from banks; a copy of their 2018 tax return; proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit of refunds; daycare payments and the daycare provider’s identification number; and health coverage statements. Learn more about what to bring to your virtual VITA appointment here.

VITA coalitions across Connecticut will continually assess the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Connecticut social distancing guidelines to determine if VITA sites may be re-opened.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, VITA coalitions recommend that the community visit coronavirus.gov and cdc.gov.  For information on economic impact and other payments, visit IRS.gov.