East Bay Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Important information from the IRS

It is important for you to know that unemployment is taxable income. Please don’t be caught off guard when filing your tax return.

Flyer from the IRS regarding this important information:

Publication 5444

This flyer can also be found on the IRS website as Publication 5444: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5444.pdf. Other versions will be available soon on irs.gov.

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.

People We Serve

East Bay Community Action’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will once again have trained and certified preparers available to provide free tax preparation to clients earning under $57,000.00. Due to COVID-19, there will be drop off only tax preparation, no in-person appointments. The site will be located at 100 Bullocks Point Avenue, East Providence.

Please note that a valid Driver’s License/Photo ID for the taxpayer and social security cards for the taxpayer and all dependents are mandatory. If possible, please print out and complete the VITA Tax Survey and the Intake/Interview & Quality Review Form and bring them to your drop off appointment.

Preparers also help taxpayers to receive tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and Tax Credits for the Elderly. If you are not required to file a federal income tax return but live in a dwelling subject to property tax and qualify income to rent ratio, you may be eligible for the Rhode Island Property Tax Relief Credit. Details regarding income guidelines can be found at irs.gov. Eligible persons may call the Office of Volunteer Services at 401-435-7876 to schedule an appointment.

Key Features

VITA volunteers are local Senior Corps members and students from Roger Williams University, Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island. All volunteers are certified by 30+ hours of IRS training and assist clients with the following services:

Free tax preparation
Electronically filing tax returns to the IRS and Rhode Island Division of Taxation
Educating 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.

Location(s) of the Program

Office of Volunteer Services

Office of Volunteer Services, East Bay Community Action Program, 100 Bullocks Point Avenue
East Providence, RI 02915

401-435-7876, ext. 1137

Hours of Operation

Tax Season Only January – April

To Schedule an Appointment

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. Please call at least 48 hours prior if you need to cancel your appointment. By appointment only.

If you’re able to print and complete the two forms found below, it will help to move your appointment along efficiently.

Intake Interview Quality Review Sheet Form 13614-C

2020 Providence EITC Free Tax Preparation Survey

How You Can Volunteer

You may volunteer with our program a few hours a week. Please call our Office of Volunteer Services at 401-435-7876 to speak with the coordinator for more information.