VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

About the Program

The Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides income tax preparation to those who cannot afford tax preparation fees. Trained volunteers prepare basic tax returns for taxpayers with limited incomes (generally under $50,000 per year), older adults, and taxpayers who speak English as a second language (ESL), including Spanish, Mandarin, and other languages upon request.

VITA Appointments
VITA offers assistance via walk-in clinics and by appointment. For assistance with current year income tax preparation by appointment, call (417) 864-0030.

Get the MOST from your tax refund

T ake time to go over your finances
A sk questions
X examine your budget and spending habits

R eview withholding forms yearly
E stablish good credit
F inancial fitness to be prepared for emergencies
U nderstand where your money is spent
N ip unneeded expenses
D irect deposit your refund & paychecks

Free Financial Literacy Classes!

Four-week basic budgeting classes available beginning the first Tuesday of every month
Location: Pathways UMC, 1232 E. Dale St.
Time: 5:30 - 8 pm

FREE dinner & child care provided on site
Registration Required, Please call (417) 864-6020 to register.

Use Credit Wisely

1. Pay your bills. On time. Every month.
2. Pay down your debt. Generally speaking, you should have a balance no larger than 1/3 of your credit limit. For example, a card with a $9,000 limit should have a balance of $3,000 or less.
3. Check your credit report and score. A credit report documents your 'financial footsteps' from the last 7-10 years.
4. Take it slow. Just because you've been "approved" for another credit card or loan doesn't mean you should open it. Also, if you are hoping to repair your credit, recognize that it takes time to get into a better situation. Pay down debt on time each month and you'll see your score and credit report improve in about 10 months.

Smart Choices for Your Refund

1. Start an emergency fund of at least $1000
2. Open a Savings or Checking Account
3. Open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or buy a Savings Bond
4. Open an Individual Development Account (or IDA) for a down payment on a house
5. Open a Roth Individual Retirement Account (or IRA)

Savings Tip
Start saving by aiming for short term savings goals, such as $20 a week or a month, rather than long term savings goals, such as $200 over a year. If you saved $20 a week, that would be $1040 in one year! $20 per month, would be $240 in one year! Read more at www.americasaves.org

Avoid Identity Theft

  • Keep Social Security, bank account & credit card numbers as well as PIN and passwords PRIVATE
  • Keep only cards you NEED in your wallet
  • Keep Social Security cards in a safe place
  • DO NOT put your Social Security Number or driver’s license number on checks
  • Take your credit card receipts
  • Destroy pre-approved credit card offers
  • DO NOT give private information over the phone unless you made the call
  • Pick up new checks from the bank in person
  • DO NOT put private information on your computer
  • Check your credit card statements and phone bills carefully

Find the Right Bank For You

  • Think about what is most important to you in a banking relationship. If you want to develop a personal, long-term relationship with a bank, a smaller, local bank may be best. If you travel a lot and need banking services while you are out of town, consider a regional or national bank.
  • If you will useonline and ATM banking, select a bank that offers those services.
  • Look for a bank that is convenient to your everyday activities.
  • Check out different banks' websites to see what types of accounts, available services and rates are offered before you visit a bank.
  • Compare interest rates and service charges to make sure you're getting the best deal.
  • Visit the branch office where you would be conducting most of your banking business. Are the tellers professional and friendly? Will the hours they are open work with your schedule?
Read more: “How to Choose a Bank” | eHow.com
http://tinyurl.com/7fkseue

Important Information

  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    1-800-829-1040 www.irs.gov
    Springfield (417) 889-9828
  • OACAC (417) 862-4314
  • Missouri Dept. of Revenue (Taxation)
    (417) 895-6474 www.dor.mo.gov
    Springfield (417) 869-5100
  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site location & appointment information
    Springfield / Greene County
    (417) 864-0030
  • Greene County Family Support Division
    (417) 895-6000
  • Social Security Administration Springfield
    (417) 866-7210 www.ssa.gov
  • SW Missouri Office on Aging
    Information & Assistance Medicare Counseling for Seniors and more
    (417) 862-0762
  • Missouri State Low Income Tax Clinic
    Tax controversy, offers in compromise, prior year returns, Levy’s & Liens
    (417) 836-3007
  • Consumer Credit Counseling Services
    (800) 882-0808
  • Community Partnership’s Caring Communities Initiative
    (417) 864-6020
    www.communitypartnership.org
  • Missouri 2-1-1
    Call center with a listing of local service agencies
    (800) 427-4626
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