What is VITA?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to those who generally make $60,000 or less, those with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
Important Information for Your Tax Year Filing
The SNHU-VITA clinics generally open for the tax year in early February and close the week prior to April 15th. We are not open during the spring break. Please contact us for if you are looking for this year’s exact clinic dates.
Important Dates
The due date for the US individual income tax return is generally April 15th.
Standard Deduction
The standard deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040) changes every year. The standard deduction amounts vary depending on whether you are:
- Married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er) with dependent child
- Head of household
- Single or married filing separately
Please note: There is a higher standard deduction for those filers who are age 65 or older, or legally blind.
Non-Resident Tax Filing
We are certified to complete non-resident tax returns. If you are a community member currently studying in the United States we may be able to assist you with your individual return.
Earned Income Credit (EIC)
The maximum credit is adjusted based on:
- Filing with one qualifying child
- Filing with two qualifying children
- Filing with three or more qualifying children
- Filing with no qualifying child
The link below provides guidance around filing status.
https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/what-is-my-filing-status
How VITA Can Help
| If your filling status is... | AND at the end of 2019 you were… | THEN file a return if your gross income was at least… |
|---|---|---|
| Single |
Under 65 65 or older |
$12,200 $13,850 |
| Married filing jointly |
Both under 65 |
$24,400 $25,700 $27,000 |
| Married filing separately |
Any age |
$5 |
| Head of household |
Under 65 65 or older |
$18,350 $20,000 |
| Qualifying widow with dependent child |
Under 65 65 or older |
$24,400 $25,700 |
What to Bring
| Will Prepare |
Will Not Prepare |
|---|---|
| Form 1040EZ | Schedule C |
| Form 1040A with SCH 1,2,3 & EIC |
Complicated Schedule D |
| Form 1040 with SCH A, B, C- EZ, D, EIC, R & SE |
Schedule E (Rents & Royalties) |
| Form 1040-V |
Form SS-5 (Requests for SS number) |
| Form 1040-ES | Form 2106 (Employee Business Expenses) |
| Form 2441 (Child & Dependent Care Credit) |
Form 3013 (Moving) |
| Form 8812 (Additional Child Tax Credit) |
Form 8606 (Nondeductible IRA) |
| Form 8863 (Education Credits) |
Form 8615 (Minor's Investment Income) |
Income
The Day of the Service:
- If you file as married, both spouses need to be present.
- Original (no copies) of Social Security cards for taxpayer, spouse (if married) and any dependents being claimed.
- If you do not have a Social Security card, you can apply or obtain more information at the following location:
- Social Security Administration
2 Wall St # 301
Manchester, NH 03101
603.641.2180
- Social Security Administration
- Picture ID for taxpayer and spouse (must be a driver's license, state issued ID card or another official document)
- All W-2's for all places worked
- Voided check or savings account number on a bank document for direct deposit
- Form 1095-A/B/C (if applicable)
If Applicable
- Copies of any 1099's issued
- Bank account interest year-end statements
- Student loan interest statement
- Proof of child care expenses paid (statement from provider with EIN or Social Security Number)
- Statement of post-secondary education tuition expenses paid
- Social Security year-end statements
- Any other documents related to taxes
If Itemizing:
- Copies of mortgage interest statements
- Real estate taxes statement
- Proof of charitable donations
- Statement of work-related expenses
- Auto registration
- Receipt of tax prep fees paid last year
- Statement of safe deposit box fees
- Statement of mortgage points paid
Tax Returns That Won't be Prepared:
The types of returns listed below will not be prepared through this program:
- Business returns, unless a sole proprietor with 1099 income
- Returns involving stock transactions or trading
- Returns with excessive or diversified investments
- Returns for people with complicated pension issues
- Returns with ITIN's or returns for illegal aliens
- Returns for people who have income property
- Returns for people who have been paid "under the table"
- Returns with dependents who may have already been claimed on someone else's return
- Returns for people who do not have all of their W-2's or all of their required documents
- Returns for refund shoppers (just checking refund amounts to compare with another tax prep service)
- Prior year returns
Deductions
The link below provides guidance on deductions
Location & Hours
Southern New Hampshire University
2500 North River Road
Manchester, NH 03106
Webster Hall VITA Tax Prep Services Webster Hall, Lobby. Typically, you will drop off your return and we will call you back when it is complete. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment needed, but we do not guarantee same day service.For more information find us on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the students certified as VITA volunteers?
Students are required to take an IRS approved exam. Where VITA training is conducted in conjunction with college courses, exceptions may be allowed only at the discretion of the IRS VITA coordinator.
What do I need to bring to receive the tax help?
Bring your Social Security card, a letter from the Social Security Administration or a copy of last year's return if you filed electronically in order to receive assistance.
What if more than one person claims my child on their tax return? How does this affect my tax benefits?
The IRS will use the tie-breaker rule to determine which taxpayer is eligible for benefits such as the dependency exemption, head of household filing status, credit for child and dependent care expenses, child tax credit and earned income credit.
What types of income are non taxable?
There are many types of non-taxable income. Examples of non-taxable income are included on the income page.
When is Tax Assistance Available?
Students will not be available during spring vacation. Other times are listed on the home page of this web site.
Which filing status should I choose?
Filing status is based on your marital and family situation at the time of the year end (December 31). Choosing your correct filing status is important to make sure that you have the lowest tax liability.
Who is eligible for tax assistance?
Those eligible to receive tax assistance are the elderly, low income and multi-lingual individuals.
Who will help me with my taxes?
Students in SNHU's special topics in accounting course have been certified by the Internal Revenue Service to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program this winter.