Free Tax Preparation with VITA 2026
If you earned less than $69,000 last year, you can have your income tax returns prepared for free through the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Certified volunteers will provide free tax assistance to low to moderate income taxpayers who require assistance with completing their tax returns.
Trained community volunteers can assist with special credits, such as Earned Income Credit/Tax Credit (EIC/EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation also offers free electronic filing (e-filing), which allows taxpayers to receive their refunds in half the time when compared to returns filed on paper. The process is sped up even further with the option to directly deposit the refunds into a bank account.
Taxpayers must meet the following qualifications for free tax preparation:
- Total household income less than $69,000 USD
- No rental income
- No 1040 NR (Nonresident Alien)
- No 1099-MISC claiming expenses
- No separate filing for married status
Be sure to bring the following documents:
- Photo ID for you, spouse and/or dependent
- Social Security card or ITIN card for all family members
- All forms of W-2, 1099, and other income
- All forms and documentation for deductions, such as 1098 (Mortgage Interest), 1098T (Tuition Statement) and expenses, child care expenses and provider’s Tax ID number
- Previous year’s tax return
- Copy of voided check
- Health Insurance Card and/or 1095 form
You Could be Eligible for the Following Tax Credits
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child and Dependent Care Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Education Credit
File Tax Returns Online
You may also file your own tax returns online for FREE.
Visit myfreetaxes.com
Upcoming Events
Locations
Tzu Chi San Gabriel Valley Service Center
9620 Flair Dr.,
El Monte, CA 91731
Tel 877-889-8244
Tzu Chi Cerritos Service Center
14618 Carmenita Rd,
Norwalk, CA 90650
Tel 877-889-8244
Tzu Chi Academy, Walnut
(Bookstore)
1920 S. Brea Canyon Cut Off Rd., Walnut, CA 91789
Tel 877-889-8244
Tzu Chi Northwest Region (San Jose)
2355 Oakland Rd.,
San Jose, CA 95131
Tel 408-457-6963
Tzu Chi Oakland Service Center
620 International Blvd,
Oakland, CA 94612
Tel 503-643-2130
Tzu Chi Sacramento Service Center
1820 Tribute Rd. # J
Sacramento, CA 95815
Tel 916-568-5800
Tzu Chi Northeast Region
137-77 Northern Blvd.,
Flushing, NY 11354
Tel 718-888-0866
Manhattan Family Service Center
63 Canal Street
New York, NY 10002
Tel 212-965-1151
Tzu Chi Cambridge Outreach Center
620 Massachusetts Avenue #6
Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel 617-800-9567
Tzu Chi Washington D.C. Region
1516 Moorings Dr.,
Reston, VA 20190
Tel 301-602-5824
Tzu Chi Mid-Atlantic Region
150 Commerce Rd,
Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
Tel 973-857-8666
Tzu Chi Atlanta Branch
3120 Medlock Bridge Rd., Building E
Peachtree Comers, GA 30071
Tel 770-458-1000
Tzu Chi Southern Region (Houston)
6200 Corporate Dr.
Houston, TX 77036
Tel 713-270-9988
877-889-8244 | |
877-889-8244 | |
408-457-6963 | |
510-740-5857 | |
718-888-0866 | |
212-965 -1151 | |
Tzu Chi Washington D.C.: 1516 Moorings Dr., Reston, VA 20190 | 301-602-5825 |
215-627-1915 | |
Tzu Chi Walnut: 1920 S. Brea Canyon Cut Off Rd., Walnut, CA 91789 | 877-889-8244 |
Tzu Chi Atlanta: 3120 Medlock Bridge Rd., Building E, Peachtree Comers, GA 30071 | 404-576-8358 |