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Community Action Agency VITA

Community Action's VITA program will offer free tax help for prior year, amended, and current year returns during the post-tax season. Appointments are available for Montgomery County residents with a combined household income of $64,000 or less. Schedule your appointment today by calling 240-777-1123 or you can schedule online.

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Post Tax-Season VITA Schedule

June 17 - October 24, 2024
Mondays, 11 am - 3 pm - VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
*Virtual appointments cannot be scheduled online. Please call 240-777-1123.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 11 am - 5 pm - Community Action Agency, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 320
*Staff available on Wednesdays to help submit ITIN applications. Please call 240-777-1123 if you need an appointment for an ITIN application.

Outreach Flyers Available for Download

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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 2023.
  • 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. 

Do you need help applying for an ITIN or renewing your ITIN? 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.

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.

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