Got a question for us?
We are here to answer!
If you don't find an answer below, feel free to send us an email and
we will try our best to get back to you within 24-48 hours.
we will try our best to get back to you within 24-48 hours.
frequently Asked Questions
How are your student interns qualified for providing tax filing services?
We require all Students in VITA interns to become IRS certified in tax law. All volunteers in our program have completed training on how to correctly handle sensitive financial information. In addition, the VITA Program implements a quality review process to make sure that everything is reviewed by experienced IRS volunteers. Since our inception in 2012, we have helped our clients regain over $500,000 in tax refunds, and in 2015, we were awarded the Partner of the Year Award by the IRS.
We require all Students in VITA interns to become IRS certified in tax law. All volunteers in our program have completed training on how to correctly handle sensitive financial information. In addition, the VITA Program implements a quality review process to make sure that everything is reviewed by experienced IRS volunteers. Since our inception in 2012, we have helped our clients regain over $500,000 in tax refunds, and in 2015, we were awarded the Partner of the Year Award by the IRS.
Do I need to pay for your services?
VITA is a nonprofit organization aiming to help low-income households by providing free tax preparation services. No payment is required at any VITA tax site. If you would like to support our program, please refer to the Donation page.
What do I bring to tax sites?
- Social Security/ITIN Card for each individual on your tax return
- Government-issued photo ID or passport
- All tax forms received over the course of the year (e.g. W-2, 1098-T, 1095-A, 1099-DIV, etc)
- Bringing a copy of your prior year tax return is also highly suggested
Do i need to make an appointment to receive assistance?
Appointment bookings are highly recommended to ensure availability, walk-ins are also welcome. Call 2-1-1 to schedule your appointment!
What if i can't make it to my appointment?
No worries! Shoot us an email to let us know that you are unable to make your appointment and we will go ahead and cancel your booking. By letting us know beforehand, we are able to open up the spot for other clients.
When are your tax sites?
Our tax sites are available on Fridays and Saturdays. For more details, please refer to the flyer on https://www.sivdavis.org/.
WHERE are your tax sites?
Location: Mary L. Stephens Davis Library
315 East 14th St.
Davis, CA 95616
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday, Feb 14
Friday, Feb 21
Friday, Feb 28
Monday, Mar 3
Friday, Mar 14
Friday, Apr 11
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday, Apr 12
Location: UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center (Meeting Room #1)
760 Orchard Road
Davis, CA 95616
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Feb 8
Saturday, Feb 15
Saturday, Feb 22
Saturday, Mar 1
Saturday, March 8
315 East 14th St.
Davis, CA 95616
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Friday, Feb 14
Friday, Feb 21
Friday, Feb 28
Monday, Mar 3
Friday, Mar 14
Friday, Apr 11
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday, Apr 12
Location: UC Davis Activities and Recreation Center (Meeting Room #1)
760 Orchard Road
Davis, CA 95616
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Saturday, Feb 8
Saturday, Feb 15
Saturday, Feb 22
Saturday, Mar 1
Saturday, March 8
Can I file tax returns for previous years?
No, we only offer our services for the current year tax season.
How soon will I receive my refund after filing my return?
Generally, it takes 2-3 weeks if you choose to receive your refund via direct deposit and 4-6 weeks via check. Due to the IRS tax return processing time, the estimated time frame may vary. You can check the status of your refund on the IRS Website at https://www.irs.gov/Refunds. If you e-filed your return, you can check your federal refund status at here and your CA refund status here.
when do i need to file a tax return?
Typically you will need to file your tax return by April 15.
Can I claim my roommate as a dependent?
In general, a taxpayer cannot claim an unrelated roommate as a dependent. To claim an individual as a dependent, the following conditions must apply:
- Taxpayer cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else.
- Taxpayer provided over 50% of the dependent’s living expenses, including room and board.
- Taxpayer lived with dependent for the entire tax year.
I am a F-1/J-1 international student. Can I file my taxes with Students in VITA?
In general, students with F or J visas are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes. Unfortunately, we are unable to file foreign returns for nonresident aliens. Please refer to a paid tax professional for assistance.
If i am claimED as a dependent under someone else return and I received w-2 for the tax year, do i still need to file a return?
Yes, if you received W-2s then you are obligated to file a return. Be sure to mark it on your return, stating that you are being claim under someone else's return.
