Free Tax Preparation with VITA 2025
If you earned less than $67,000 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.
Depending on your location, the process of this activity in Tzu Chi Regional offices may have changed in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Our new format is drop-off service. Please contact your local offices for more information.
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 $67,000 USD
- No rental income
- No 1040 NR (Nonresident Alien)
- No 1099-MISC claiming expenses
- No separate filing for married status
- No cash income.

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
- Identity Protection Pin # (if you have)
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
Locations
Tzu Chi El Monte: 9620 Flair Dr., El Monte, CA 91731 |
877-889-8244 |
Tzu Chi Cerritos: 14618 Carmenita Rd, Norwalk, CA 90650 |
877-889-8244 |
Tzu Chi San Jose : 2355 Oakland Rd., San Jose, CA 95131 |
408-457-6963 |
Tzu Chi Oakland/Boston: 620 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94612 |
510-740-5857 |
Tzu Chi New York: 137-17 Northern Blvd., Flushing, NY 11355 |
718-888-0866 |
Tzu Chi Manhattan: 63 Canal Street, New York, NY 10002 |
212-965 -1151 |
Tzu Chi Washington D.C.: 1516 Moorings Dr., Reston, VA 20190 |
301-602-5825 |
Tzu Chi Philadelphia: 107 N 9th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107 |
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 |
770-765-6796 |
Tzu Chi Houston: 6200 Corporate Dr., Houston, TX 77036 |
713-270-9988 |