Community Action Center again offering free tax prep

The Community Assistance Center will again offer its free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, beginning Feb. 1.

Households in the Atlanta area with an annual income of less than $67,000 can get free tax preparation assistance, according to a Community Assistance Center (CAC) news release. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program also serves persons with disabilities and limited English skills.

CAC’s VITA program processed 520 tax returns for 480 individuals in 2024, resulting in nearly $750,000 in refunds It also saved the community approximately $189,000 in tax filing fees compared to professional services, the news release said, through the efforts of 43 dedicated volunteers who contributed more than 1,800 hours of their time.

CAC serves as a Certifying Acceptance Agency (CAA), a designation that allows it to verify foreign identification documents for taxpayers that require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a tax return, according to the release. This enables foreign nationals to retain their passports and submit U.S. tax returns. CAC is now able to directly assist individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security number to apply for or renew their ITIN to meet tax filing requirements.

Eligible individuals can schedule an appointment by emailing vita@ourcac.org or calling the CAC helpline at (770) 552-4015. Appointments are required, and participants should bring the necessary documentation, including government-issued photo identification, Social Security or Individual Taxpayer Identification cards or letters, income documents, any additional tax forms, and a copy of last year’s tax return. The service starts on Feb. 1.

The CAC’s VITA program highlighted emerging trends in the community:

• More individuals reported income from platforms like Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy jobs, requiring assistance in navigating tax forms unique to independent contractors;
• Families with dual incomes still turned to the VITA program for help, reflecting the rising cost of living and financial challenges for households at various income levels;
• A noticeable increase in elderly individuals reporting part-time or freelance income as they re-entered the workforce to supplement retirement or social security benefits;
• Difficult cases including individuals with almost a decade’s worth of unfiled tax returns or individuals with royalty payments, present a unique challenge and reflect the complexity of staying in good standing with the IRS.

“The VITA program has a profound impact on our community by providing essential tax preparation services to those who might otherwise be unable to afford them,” said Daniel Weiss, CAC’s volunteer VITA coordinator, according to the release. “By ensuring accurate and timely tax filings, we help individuals and families receive the refunds and credits they are entitled to, which in turn supports the local economy.”

CAC needs volunteers to assist with the 2025 VITA program to give a few hours each week February through May to help prepare tax returns or support the program in other roles. No prior experience is required, and training is provided.

“Volunteering with VITA was incredibly rewarding. I loved meeting members of the community and knowing that I was helping people in a real and tangible way. The training was thorough, and the staff made sure we had the support we needed to succeed,” VITA volunteer Amy Hayes said.

Volunteers interested in joining the program can learn more and sign up by contacting the VITA program team directly at vita@ourcac.org. The VITA program is an IRS initiative, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta. For more information about volunteering, eligibility, or the program, visit www.ourcac.org/vita

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