The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) program offers FREE basic tax return preparation for qualified individuals.  The VITA program has operated for over 50 years!  United Way of Frederick County's Prosperity Center is Frederick County's largest VITA site. We are committed to helping our neighbors with low and moderate incomes receive 100% FREE tax preparation support so they can get back their maximum refund and save more of their hard-earned money. VITA is a critical stop along the Pathway to Financial Stability! 

Our IRS-certified VITA volunteers will prepare and e-file taxes for eligible individuals completely free of charge at our VITA location! Appointments are required and you can make yours starting in January by simply dialing 2-1-1, a free line operated locally by the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. You may also call 866-411-6803 to reach the Frederick call center directly. 

In 2025, VITA completed 787 tax returns for a total of over $1.4 million returned to our ALICE neighbors.

Interested in becoming a VITA Volunteer to help ALICE households maximize their tax returns? 

Click HERE to learn more. 

You can also contact Landen Lombardo at llombardo@uwfrederick.org for more information or to volunteer.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR FREE TAX PREP?

If you earned less than $69,000 in 2025, you are eligible to have your taxes prepared and e-filed completely free of charge. 

HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?

Call 2-1-1, a free line operated locally by the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. You may also call 866-411-6803 to reach the Frederick call center directly. Appointments are required.

WHAT ARE VITA HOURS? 

629 N Market St Frederick, MD 21701 (Bernard Brown Community Room)

VITA appointments will be offered on Monday from 12 pm - 8 pm; Wednesday from 9 am - 5 pm; and Thursday.

All hours are subject to change without notice, depending on tax preparer availability.

WHAT DO I BRING TO MY TAX APPOINTMENT?

Download FAQs in English and Spanish and see below for what to bring to your VITA 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
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
• 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

This tax preparation checklist will help you ensure you have all required documents in advance of your appointment. 

For important information on Individual Tax Payer Identification Numbers (ITIN), including how to renew yours if you haven’t used it at least once on a federal tax return in the last three years or if your ITIN is expiring and needs renewed, click here.

You may qualify for other free tax preparation assistance, including:

• AARP Tax Aide: Free In-Person preparation
• CASH Campaign of MD Facilitated Self-Assistance: Free self-preparation with the opportunity to ask questions via email/phone. Your 2025 household income must $89,000 or below to be eligible for FSA.
• My Free Taxes: Free self-preparation. Your 2025 household income must be $89,000 or below to be eligible. 
• CASH App Taxes: Free self-preparation.