Where to file?
FILE FREE - On Your Own or With Help
> File free online on your own.
> File free online on your own with help.
> File free virtually by IRS certified preparers. You just upload your documents. No need to leave your house.
> File free in-person at a VITA/TCE site with IRS certified preparers.
> File free by dropping off your documents at a VITA location and IRS certified volunteers will prepare and file your return.
Need Assistance? Have questions?
We may be able to help.
Let us help determine how to get your taxes prepared and filed by giving us a little information about yourself. Your answers will help us, help YOU get your taxes prepared and filed.
The information you submit will be delivered to our IRS Certified VITA volunteers or staff. Your information is private, confidential, and will not be shared with outside entities.
File free on your own
IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software. It’s safe, easy and no cost to you. Those who don’t qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms.
Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension.
File directly with the Franchise Tax Board— for free
Use CalFile to e-file your state tax return directly to the Franchise Tax Board. Get real-time confirmation and the fastest refund possible. And best of all, it’s free.
It is:
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Quick - Takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
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Easy - Simple step-by-step process, save and come back anytime.
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Fast refund - Fastest refund possible using direct deposit
File free with virtual help from an IRS certified tax professional
File free in-person, online or
at a drop-off location at a local
VITA site
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years.
VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
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People who generally make $60,000 or less
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Persons with disabilities; and
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Limited English-speaking taxpayers
2024 VITA SITES OPERATING IN CALIFORNIA RURAL COUNTIES
Amador County
Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency
10590 Hwy 88
Jackson, CA 95642
209-268-6232
Inyo County
Inyo County Senior Citizen Center
138 N. Jackson Street
Lone Pine, CA 93545
760-876-5518
Mendocino County
North Coast Opportunities
111 A Boatyard Dr.
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
707-456-9418
Butte County
Community Action Agency of Butte County
181 E. Shasta Ave.
Chico, CA 95927
530-712-2600
Kings County
Kings Community Action Agency
1130 N. 11th Ave. Hanford
108 W. Kings St. Avenal
900 Dairy Ave. Corcoran
559-904-8854
Mono County
Mammoth Lakes Library
400 Sierra Park Rd.
Mammoth Lake, CA 93546
760-914-4352
Calaveras County
Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency
10590 Hwy 88
Jackson, CA 95642
209-268-6232
Lake County
North Coast Opportunities
413 N. State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
707-476-3236
San Benito County
San Benito Community Action Board
1161 San Felipe Rd.
Hollister, CA 96130
831-634-4917
Colusa County
Colusa County One Stop
144 & 146 Market St.
Colusa, CA 95392
530-458-0326
Lassen County
United Way
805 Main Street Suite F
Susanville, CA 96130
530-257-0314
Siskiyou County
JEDI
205 Chestnut St. Mount Shasta
810 N. Oregon St. Yreka
888-926-6670
El Dorado County
CRVC Placerville Senior Center
937 Spring Street
Placerville, CA 95667
530-497-0380
Madera County
Madera Community Action Agency
1225 Gill Ave.
Madera, CA 93637
559-673-9173
Tuolumne County
Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency
427 N. Hwy 49
Sonora, CA 95370
209-268-6232
Humboldt County
Humboldt Senior Center
1910 California Street
Eureka, CA 95501
707-443-9747 ext. 1240
Mendocino County
Nuestra Alianza de Willits
291 School Street #1
Willits, CA 95490
707-456-9418
Yuba County
Yuba City Senior Center
777 Ainsley Ave.
Yuba City, CA 95991
530-822-4608
WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT?
Go to BANK ON, whose goal is to ensure that everyone has access to a safe and affordable bank or credit union account. These low-cost, no-overdraft, no-surprise-fee accounts can help you claim your refund and steer you clear of expensive alternative financial services, including check cashers, payday lenders, and pawn shops that charge high fees.
I CAN'T FIND MY SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
The easiest way to request a replacement SSN card is online with a personal My Social Security account. You can go to www.ssa.gov/ssnumber and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply. If you aren’t able to use a personal my Social Security account to request a replacement card, you can still begin the process online and complete it in a local Social Security office or card center, usually in less time.
What you'll need for tax preparation.
CHECKLIST
-Valid Photo ID for taxpayer and spouse.
-Valid Social Security Cards or ITIN #'s for taxpayer, spouse, and dependents. (Acceptable substitutes are a letter from the Social Security Administration, form SSA-1099 or Medicare card that includes the letter "A" after the SSN.
-Birth dates for self, spouse and dependents
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-All income statements: W-2, 1099’s, Social Security Benefits statements, etc.
-Any Interest and dividend statements from banks (form 1099).
-A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.
-Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit if there is a refund.
-Statement & Tax ID# from childcare provider.
-Total paid for daycare (if applicable) and the daycare provider’s identifying number.
-Proof of Medical Insurance form 1095-A, 1095-B or 1095-C.
-Other income/expense information if applicable (e.g. Tuition Credit, Form 1098-T, Student Loan Interest form 1098-E. Tip, gambling, lottery or other income. Retirement income or payments from pensions. Self-employment income/expenses.