Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

During tax season, Worcester State University is the destination of choice for area taxpayers who qualify to have an Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site file their federal and state income tax returns. We have operated a VITA program since the 1970s, and our IRS-certified VITA volunteers have filed thousands of tax returns and helped clients recoup millions in tax refunds since 2004.

Eligibility for free service:

• 2016 income of $54,000 or less
• We can handle many common tax situations
• Ask before visiting if you think there might be anything difficult or lengthy about yours
• No untotaled lists of figures, statements, or checkbooks; or uncertain or estimated figures
• No rental property, self-employment, or business returns
• No bankruptcy or insolvency

What to bring:

• Photo ID (always required; no exceptions)
• Social Security cards (or alternative) for yourself, spouse, and dependents (always required; no exceptions)
• Alternatives: legible copy or photo of SS card; Medicare card with number ending in A; any form or letter from Social Security showing name and SSN
• Identity theft PIN (if IRS sent you one)
• Birth dates for yourself, spouse and dependents
• Both spouses must be present and sign joint returns (doesn't have to be at the same time)
• If this is not possible, a Power of Attorney Form is required
• All tax documents you received (W2, 1099, 1098, etc.)
• Any other income info
• Health insurance coverage info for yourself, spouse, and dependents:
  • Form 1099HC for private health insurance. Get a copy from parents if you're on their plan
  • Form 1095A for Mass. Health Connector insurance
  • For MassHealth: health insurance cards and months of coverage
   
• Amounts paid for tuition and courserelated books (1098T with account statement from your school)
• Student loan interest paid (1098E from your loan servicer)
• Real estate tax and mortgage interest paid (1098 from your lender)
• Rent paid (if any)
• If over 65, amount of water and sewer charges (if any)
• Amount paid for daycare and the provider's SSN or EIN
• Amount contributed to IRAs
• Amount paid in tolls through EZPass account, or weekly/monthly MBTA passes, if over $150
• Bank routing and account numbers (from a check) for direct deposit
• Copy of last year's returns (we do not have them, even if you saw us last year)
• Any mail you got from IRS or Mass. Dept. of Revenue
• Anything else relevant to your 2016 tax returns
• International students:
  • Passport
  • Visa info, and dates of entry and exit since 2011
  • Name, address, and phone number of your academic program
   

Our VITA program is run by faculty advisor Michael Shamgochian, an adjunct professor in the Business Administration and Economics Department.