Black background with white text and a circular logo at the top. The logo has three horizontal lines inside a circle. Below, it reads 'Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, Inc.' and 'VITA' in large letters. Underneath, it says 'Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.'
Red icon of a tax document with a dollar sign symbol in front

Free Tax Preparation

IRS-certified volunteers provide
free tax preparation and electronic filing so individuals and families can avoid costly filing fees.

Red checklist or to-do list with checkmarks next to completed items and empty boxes for remaining tasks.

Claim Tax Credits

Volunteers help taxpayers identify
and claim credits such as the
Earned Income Tax Credit and
Child Tax Credit.

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Trusted Support

Participants receive guidance
from trained volunteers who help ensure tax returns are accurate
and filed on time.

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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation and filing services to eligible individuals and families in the Chattanooga community. Through IRS-certified volunteers, the program helps ensure that taxpayers receive the credits and refunds they deserve while avoiding costly tax preparation fees.

VITA supports financial stability by helping working families keep more of what they earn and access important tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).

  • The VITA program is designed to assist:

    • Individuals and families with low-to-moderate income
    • Working individuals who qualify for tax credits
    • Older adults and persons with disabilities
    • Taxpayers who need help preparing basic federal and state tax returns

  • Participants receive assistance with:

    • Free preparation and electronic filing of federal and state tax returns
    • Guidance from IRS-certified tax preparation volunteers
    • Screening for valuable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
    • Assistance understanding tax documents and filing requirements
    • Help ensuring accurate and complete tax filings

  • Access to free tax preparation helps families avoid high filing fees, claim the refunds and credits they qualify for, and keep more money in their households. By increasing access to trusted financial resources, VITA helps strengthen economic stability across our community.

Tax preparation appointments are available during the annual tax season. If you meet the eligibility requirements and would like assistance preparing your taxes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our trained volunteers.

What to bring with you to the VITA site
What to bring with you to the VITA site

Choose How you
Want to File

Schedule a VITA Appointment

Work directly with an IRS-certified volunteer who will prepare and file your taxes with you.

  • Free tax preparation

  • Assisted support

  • Best for those who want guidance

Schedule Your VITA Appointment
Schedule Your VITA Appointment

File Your Taxes Yourself

Use a secure online platform to file your taxes at your own pace from home.

  • Free federal and state filing

  • Secure online experience

  • Best for confident self-filers

Start Self-Filing
Start Self-Filing

Become a Volunteer

Community volunteers play a critical role in making this program possible. Volunteers receive training and certification through the IRS and help provide free tax preparation services to individuals and families across our region.

Tax Training for Volunteers
Tax Training for Volunteers