East Bay Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
What to Bring to Your Tax Appointment
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) provides IRS-trained tax professionals to provide tax-preparation services to clients. VITA volunteers provide timely, quality, and free tax preparation for low to moderate income individuals and families. Volunteers not only prepare tax returns, but simultaneously provide education to clients about their returns and eligible tax credits.
Who We Serve
Individual community members and families with an annual income less than $55,000 are eligible so long as they have minimal deductions for the Schedule C, no self-employment with expenses over $5,000, and have not filed bankruptcy within the past three years. Other exceptions for our service are determined on a case-by-case basis. VITA volunteers support fellow community members in saving money by completing tax returns and electronically filing to the IRS and RI Division of Taxation.
Key Features
VITA provides free tax preparation for community members. Volunteers are local Senior Corps members providing time and expertise, and students from Roger Williams University, CCRI, RIC, and URI. VITA educates clients about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is one of the largest means of supplemental income for clients. EITC reduces the federal tax one owes and can result in a refund. All volunteers are certified by IRS training totaling 30 hours or more.
Location(s) of the Program
Bristol, RI 02809 401-253-9221
Newport, RI 02840 401-847-1794
East Providence, RI 02914 401-435-7876
Hours of Operation
Tax Season
East Providence: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Newport: Thursday, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Bristol: Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. and every other Saturday 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
How to Enroll
Please call the Office of Volunteer Services at 401-435-7876 to schedule an appointment. View/print list of what to bring to your tax appointment.
How You Can Volunteer
You may volunteer with our program a few hours a week. Please call our office at 401-435-7876 to speak with the coordinator for more information.
