Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Free Tax Preparation for Low- and Moderate-Income Households

United Way of Wapello County offers free tax preparation through the IRS-supported Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Our trained and certified volunteers help ensure you receive all credits and deductions you are eligible for, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and more.

Who Can Receive Services?

VITA serves individuals and families who generally make $67,000 or less, as well as people with disabilities, seniors, and those who speak limited English, even if they surpass the $67,000 guideline.

What You Can Expect

• Friendly, trained volunteers
• Secure document handling
• Accurate tax filing
• Refund direct deposit
• No hidden fees

VITA appointments will be available in:
 • Ottumwa (main location)
• Fairfield
• Albia

Why Choose VITA?

The average cost of tax preparation in Iowa is $220—a barrier for thousands of families. Our program is completely free because we believe everyone deserves a chance to build financial stability.

Appointments open late January. Check back for scheduling information soon.

United is the Way to dignity, fairness, and financial empowerment.

A family of three smiling and playing with a piggy bank at a table. The family includes a woman, a man, and a young girl, all with curly hair. The background features a brick wall and wooden shelves. The image promotes saving money on tax filing fees with United Way Wapello County and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

  • As of August 2025, this year’s impact so far:

    ✅ 822 tax returns filed

    ✅ $1,012,832 in total refunds returned to hardworking individuals and families in Southeast Iowa

  • VITA appointments are available February–March in Ottumwa, Albia, and Fairfield, with year-round support by appointment from our Ottumwa office.

    We also assist with prior year filings and post-deadline returns.

    Call us mid-January to schedule your appointment.

    • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if you worked in 2025

    • Education Credits if you or a dependent had qualifying higher education expenses

    • Valid Photo ID (for both spouses if filing jointly)

    • Social Security Cards for all household members

    • Last year’s tax return (if available)

    • W-2s, 1099s, and all other income forms

    • Bank account & routing numbers for direct deposit

    • All forms must be printed (no digital copies, please)

    • Arrive 5–10 minutes early to complete a short yellow intake form

  • Want to make a real difference? Join the VITA team and help neighbors build financial stability.
    We offer free training and IRS certification—no experience needed!

    Volunteer roles include:

    • Tax preparer

    • Greeter/intake specialist

    • Scheduler

    • Interpreter

    • Site coordinator

    Ready to get started? Fill out our VITA Volunteer Interest Form!

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