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Community Action Agency Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

Community Action's VITA program will prepare 2024 federal and state returns for Montgomery County residents with a household income of $67,000 or less during the upcoming tax season. Scheduling will begin on January 6th. Eligible residents will be able to schedule online or by calling 240-777-1123. 

Community Action VITA's Tax Season Schedule
January 21 - April 10, 2025

Mondays, 2 - 8 pm: Casey Community Center, 810 S Frederick Ave, Gaithersburg 
Tuesdays, 2 - 8 pm: TESS Community Action Center, 8703 Flower Ave, Silver Spring
Tuesdays, 11 am - 5 pm: Community Action Agency, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, Rockville 
Wednesdays, 12 - 8 pm: Community Action Agency, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, Rockville 
Thursdays, 11 am - 5 pm: WorkSource Montgomery, 11510 Georgia Avenue, 3rd Floor, Wheaton
Thursdays, 11 am - 5 pm: Community Action Agency, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320, Rockville 
Fridays, 11 am - 5 pm: Virtual appointments 

 

VITA Partnership Sites

CASA
14645 Rothgeb Dr, Rockville
February 7 - Mid-April
Fridays, 9 am - 3 pm and some Saturdays
240-491-5747
[email protected]
wearecasa.org/impuestos-maryland
 
THE EQUITY CENTER - CROSS COMMUNITY
Gaithersburg Public Library
18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Mondays: 12 - 6 pm
Fridays: 11 am - 4 pm
Saturdays: 12 - 6 pm
*Universities at Shady Grove - VITA Clinics
February 27th & March 27th
12pm – 6pm
 
AMERICORPS SENIORS/AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM
Multiple tax sites throughout Montgomery County, opening in early February
Appointment scheduling starts January 27, 2025
www.taxaidemc.info or call 240-777-2577

COMMUNITY TAX AID
For appointments, please call 202-830-1480
Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue
February 8 - April 12: Saturdays, 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Wheaton Regional Library, 11701 Georgia Avenue
February 2 - April 13: Sundays, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
 

New! Direct File in Maryland

Direct File is the new free service allowing  eligible  taxpayers to prepare and electronically file their tax return online directly with the IRS. 

Learn more about this new program on the  Comptroller of Maryland's website.

Who can use Direct File?

*From the Comptroller's website

Tax year 2024 (due in 2025) eligibility requirements have not yet been finalized by the IRS, but eligible Maryland state residents will likely be able to use Direct File for their state tax filing if:

  • They filed their federal return using Direct File.
  • They are a full year Maryland resident.
  • They use standard deduction.
  • They want to claim common credits (state and local earned income tax credit, state and local poverty level credit, and the child and dependent care credit).
  • Their income came primarily from W-2 employment.
  • They want to claim common subtractions (Pension exclusions, child & dependent care expenses, military retirement exclusion).

Direct File offers a screener tool to assist taxpayers in determining if they meet eligibility requirements prior to filing.

Tax filers with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who have previously filed taxes can participate. Tax filers with a Social Security Number (SSN) can apply regardless of previously filing taxes.

Do you need information about your refund?

  • For questions about your federal tax refund, please visit the  IRS website or call 1-800-829-1040. 
  • For questions about your Maryland refund, please visit the  Online Services website or call 1-800-218-8160.
 

What to Bring to Your Appointment:

  • A Social Security card and/or ITIN for EACH family member. We cannot use prior year files to verify Social Security number.
  • A photo ID for each filer.
  • W-2 forms for all jobs worked in 2024.
  • Child care provider name, address, and tax ID number or Social Security number.
  • All banking account information (a voided check and/or savings deposit slip) to direct deposit your refund.
  • A copy of last year’s tax return.
  • Any document or information about money you have received from the IRS or state.
  • All 1099 forms for other income, if any.
  • Any other tax related documents you have received.
  • If you are a victim of identity theft, you must bring the letter from the IRS with your PIN number. A new letter is issued from the IRS every year.
  • Form 1095A if you received insurance through the Marketplace (ACA).
  • ​If you are married and filing jointly, your spouse must be present. If you are married and filing separately, you need your spouse's name as spelled on his/her Social Security card and your spouse's Social Security number.

ITINs - Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers

All VITA sites serve taxpayers filing with ITINs. 

ITIN Applications and Renewals: Staff available at the Community Action Agency VITA program on Wednesdays to help submit ITIN applications and renewals. Please call 240-777-1123 to schedule an appointment.

CASA also assists with ITIN applications and renewals. Please see contact information above.
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions about ITINs

How is the format of an ITIN different from a SSN?

  • An ITIN begins with a “9” and the 4th and 5th digits are in the range of  “50-65”, “70-88”, “90-92” and “94-99”

Can some members of a family have a SSN while other members of the family have an ITIN?

  • Yes, for example, some members of a family are only eligible for an ITIN but may have children who were born in the U.S. and are therefore eligible for a SSN.

Who can apply for an ITIN?

  • Any alien, non-resident or resident who is required to file a U.S. federal tax return
  • An individual who will be claimed as an exemption or dependent
  • An individual who does not qualify for a SSN

What form is used to apply for an ITIN?

  • Form W-7 and Form W-7 (SP)

In general, what must accompany a completed ITIN application?

  • A valid U.S. federal income tax return
  • Supporting identification and, in some cases, residency documents

File your Taxes Online

Free Filing Software/IRS Questions: The IRS Free File  http://freefile.irs.gov provides free federal tax prep and e-file for taxpayers (income $79,000 or below). For toll-free tax help call 800-829-1040 for individual tax questions or 800-829-4933 for business tax questions. 
If you decide to use a commercial tax preparer, please  click here.

VITA Partners: