Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Free Tax Preparation by IRS-Certified Volunteers
If you meet IRS guidelines, you can have your tax return prepared for free at MCC through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers prepare your tax returns and review them for accuracy according to IRS rules.
These services are for you if you are a lower- or moderate-income taxpayer with a simple tax return. Your return usually includes income such as wages, pensions, Social Security, and limited interest or dividend income.
The IRS intake and quality review process determines your eligibility and the services you can receive.
| Day | Dates | Time | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesdays | January 21 – April 15 | 3:30–8:30 p.m. | Closed March 25 |
| Saturdays | January 24 – April 11 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | Closed March 28 |
Location: Park in Lot B and enter Building A, Door A6 (the entrance closest to Route 14). You can find VITA services in the A100 hallway.
2026 Self-Preparation Options
You can use self-help tax filing options at MCC if you choose to prepare and file your own tax returns.
If you meet the IRS income eligibility requirements for the applicable tax year, you may use designated MCC laptop kiosks to prepare and file your federal tax returns using approved free filing software. IRS-certified VITA volunteers do not assist you with these self-prepared returns.
Laptop kiosks are available during regular campus hours at:
- Co/Lab A, A218
- Learning Commons, A212
- A102 and A104 Classrooms
- Building B—Campus Police Area
- Co/Lab E, E108
Income limits, eligibility requirements, and available software are established annually by the IRS.
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Fast refunds with free e-filing of federal and state returns
- VITA-certified preparers
- Banking and financial counseling (appointment required)
- Trained staff will help individuals complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form (appointment required)
- Amended and prior years’ returns (2020–2024) after March 12
- Language services provided
The VITA Tax Clinic prepares tax returns for individuals or households with incomes less than $69,000.
- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) cards for all family members (mandatory)
- Valid photo identification cards (for example, driver's license) for you and your spouse (if any). This is mandatory.
- Bank account routing and account number for direct deposit
- Earnings statements (wages W-2s), pensions, social security, unemployment, interest, dividends, 1099s, etc.
- Tuition statements and expenses (1098-T)
- Mortgage interest statements (1098)
- Real estate tax bill
- Cancellation of debt/bankruptcy information
- Self-employed business income and expense (summarized income and expenses categories)
- Brokerage statements
- Prior year's tax return
According to our funding grant and the IRS's rules and procedures, we are not able to assist between May and December of each year.
You may be able to find assistance by going to the IRS VITA site locator or Free Tax Prep locator
The VITA program is not permitted to maintain copies of tax returns. Transcripts of your tax return can be emailed or mailed to you by the IRS.
We cannot assist with communications from government bodies. Contact the sender of the communication and provide the response requested.