Santa Clara Public Library

For qualifying individuals and families, you can file your taxes in person, for free! Utilize the contents on this page to help you prepare. Please review the resources and information below.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Free Tax Help Bay Area is a coalition of organizations that provide free tax help throughout the Bay Area led by United Way Bay Area in partnership with the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). These services are free to qualifying individuals and families:

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:

• People who generally make $64,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

IRS-certified volunteers are trained to prepare these forms.

In-Person Tax Assistance

The Central Park Library will host VITA Tax Help Services twice a week:

• Every Tuesday from February 6, 2024 to April 9, 2024 in the Heritage Pavilion from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Every Saturday from February 3, 2024 to April 13, 2024 in either the Redwood Room or Margie Edinger Room from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Please check calendar/schedule for exact location.)

Appointments are on a first-come-first-served basis, only. Please be advised that you may not be immediately served. Your patience and understanding are appreciated

What to Bring for Your Appointment:

• Proof of identification (photo ID)
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents 
• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
• Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
• Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
• Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable