For clients
Free tax help at UMBC VITA
Everything you need to know before tax season: who qualifies, how appointments work, when we're open, and what to bring.
Eligibility
Who we can help
VITA is designed for individuals and families who meet the annual income guidelines. Because our volunteers are certified for specific return types, some situations fall outside what we're able to prepare.
You're likely eligible if…
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Household income under the IRS limitThe IRS updates this limit each year and most recently was $69,000. See the current number on IRS.gov.
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Social Security card for everyone on the returnBring the physical card for each person you're claiming.
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You booked an appointmentAppointments are required — we can't accept walk-ins.
We can't prepare returns that…
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Belong to F, J, M, or Q visa holdersUMBC VITA isn't certified for these returns. International students and scholars can get free help from our partner NRVTAP.
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Include small-business lossesCertain self-employment losses are out of scope.
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Involve virtual currency or rental incomeCrypto transactions and rental property income are out of scope.
Not sure whether your situation qualifies, or need a prior-year return prepared? Email VITA@umbc.edu and we'll help you figure it out.
Appointments
How appointments work
UMBC VITA is appointment-only — this keeps wait times short and makes sure a certified volunteer is ready for you. Here's how the process works each spring:
- Check that your return is in scope
- Confirm your situation is one VITA can prepare before you book — see the eligibility list above.
- Book through 211 Maryland
- Scheduling opens in late January. Call 211 or 410-234-8008 to reserve a time, or book online through the CASH Campaign. Walk-ins can't be accommodated.
- Bring your required items
- You must bring a Social Security card for every household member and a photo ID for each taxpayer — without them, you'll be asked to reschedule.
- Meet a certified preparer
- A volunteer prepares your return, a second volunteer quality-reviews it, and you sign to e-file. Plan for about 60–90 minutes.
Appointments open in late January
Scheduling for the 2027 tax season opens in late January — check back then and book online. If you need to file in the meantime, you have free options:
Schedule
Tax-prep dates for the 2027 tax season
In a typical season we host free tax-prep on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., February through early April. Dates for the upcoming season will be posted here once scheduling opens.
- Saturdays
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Feb – early April
We announce on Instagram the day scheduling opens — follow @umbcvita.
Location
Where to find us
- Apartment Community Center
- On the UMBC campus · Catonsville, MD
- Finding the building
- Directions go out with your appointment confirmation. Staff can also give directions by phone during operating hours.
- Hours
- Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., by appointment. Outside Saturday appointments we don't have an office — reach us by email or phone.
- Questions
- VITA@umbc.edu · 443-612-4829
Preparing for your appointment
What to bring
Bringing the right documents means your return can be completed accurately in a single visit. Here's your checklist:
Identification (required)
- Photo ID for each taxpayer (and your spouse, if filing jointly)
- A Social Security card for every household member on the return
Income documents
- W-2s for all jobs worked during the year
- All 1099 forms (interest, unemployment, retirement, other income)
If it applies to you
- Records for any credits or deductions you plan to claim
- Child care provider's name, address & tax ID number
- Form 1095-A, if you have Affordable Care Act health insurance
- Income and expense records for your small business
- Any letters from the IRS or the Maryland Comptroller
For your refund
- All federal refunds must be paid electronically
- Bank routing and account numbers
Filing jointly? Both spouses must be present to sign the return.
Free filing is open now
Appointment scheduling for the upcoming tax season opens in late January — but free online filing is available now. You can prepare and file your own return at no cost.