February 14, 2024

VITA Program Offers Free Tax Help for Income-Eligible Residents


VITA Program Offers Free Tax Help for Income-Eligible Residents

Income-eligible Montgomery County residents can now schedule free tax appointments with the Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Appointments for 2023 taxes only are for Montgomery County residents with household incomes of $64,000 or less.

Free tax appointments will be available through April 11 at four locations:
  • Casey Community Center 810 South Frederick Ave. Gaithersburg. Mondays, 2:30–8 p.m.
  • TESS Community Action Center 8730 Flower Ave., Silver Spring. Tuesdays, 2–8 p.m.
  • Community Action Agency 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville. Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Community Action Agency 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville. Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • WorkSource Montgomery 11510 Georgia Ave., Wheaton. Fridays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Virtual appointments only
Eligible residents should call 240-777-1123 to schedule an appointment or visit the CASHBACK website. The website also includes information about other free tax sites, tax credits and financial resources.

“Making sure that eligible low-income residents have access to free tax preparation is an important way to enable them to get help from qualified preparers,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Each year, the VITA program helps residents get millions of dollars in tax refunds and credits. It is a popular program, so I urge anyone who is eligible to call now for an appointment.”

The VITA program provides free tax help and links residents with valuable tax credits that can provide critical support to households. These credits, including the State and Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the County’s Working Families Income Supplement (WFIS), and Child Tax Credits, can add thousands of dollars in tax refunds for individuals and families.

All VITA sites serve taxpayers filing with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and assistance with ITIN applications is available at Community Action VITA site at 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. ITIN taxpayers are advised that they are now eligible for both the state EITC and the County WFIS.

Last year, the Community Action Agency’s VITA program completed 1,946 returns, connecting residents with more than $6.4 million in tax refunds and credits. As a volunteer-based program, Community Action VITA relies on the dedication of highly trained volunteers. Fifty-six volunteers supported the program last year, volunteering more than 2,820 hours.