FREE TAX PREPARATION
VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
United Way of Chautauqua County
Book an appointment by dialing 2-1-1!
As of January 2026, UWCHQ has been scheduling free tax appointments for the 2025 tax year through the 211 helpline.
Thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program facilitated locally by Untied Way, our IRS-certified volunteers will prepare your taxes and ensure you get the largest refund for which you qualify.
The toll-free number for 211 is 1-888-696-9211 or you can also text your zip code to 898211 (messaging and data rates apply.)
EARNED IT? KEEP IT!
Last year, VITA volunteers prepared returns for more than 1,300 households across the county. As a result, more than $1.5 million in tax refunds were returned to local working families and seniors, saving more than $325,000 in tax preparation fees.
United Way's volunteers work to ensure that individuals and families receive every dollar they are eligible for in their federal and state returns, including valuable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the new Empire State Child Credit.
CALL 211 TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Do not call United Way. 211 Western New York is a free service funded in part by United Way of Chautauqua County. When calling, follow the automated prompts to be connected with a representative who will assist you in booking an appointment.
When calling 211, there may be a wait due to high call volume. Either wait through the hold period or leave a message to be called back. When you do connect with a service representative, they will schedule you an appointment at one of the VITA sites in Chautauqua County.
A list of the documents needed to bring for your tax preparation appointment can be found online at: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation
Appointments do fill up fast, so calling early to schedule is encouraged.
In lieu of an appointment, taxpayers can also use the self-preparation portal at http://www.MyFreeTaxes.com
Once your appointment is confirmed, please bring the following:
- Proof of identification (photo ID.)
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents.
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse, and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number.
- Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return.
- Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-NEC, 1099-MISC) from all employers.
- Unemployment statement
- Interest, dividend, and brokerage statements from banks (Forms 1099.)
- Education and student loan documents (1098T, 1098E)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.
- Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check.
- Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number.
- Form 1095-A.
- Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable.
- To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.