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 annual limitThe cap is set each year and is typically around $65,000.
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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 holdersInternational students and scholars on these visas aren't eligible through VITA.
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Include small-business lossesCertain self-employment losses are out of scope.
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Involve virtual currency or debt cancellationCrypto transactions and cancellation-of-debt 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:
2026–2027 appointments haven't opened yet
Scheduling for the 2026–2027 season hasn't opened yet — check back soon for dates. If you need to file in the meantime, you have free options:
Schedule
Spring 2027 tax-prep dates
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. The 2027 dates will be posted here once scheduling opens.
- Saturdays
- 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Feb – early April
Want to know when scheduling opens? Email VITA@umbc.edu and we'll keep you posted.
Location
Where to find us
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
- End-of-year pay stub showing any overtime
- All 1099 forms (interest, unemployment, retirement, other income)
- Employer documentation of qualified tip income
For your refund & credits
- Bank routing & account numbers for direct deposit
- Child care provider's name, address & tax ID number
- Records for any credits or deductions you plan to claim
If it applies to you
- Form 1095-A, if you received the Premium Tax Credit
- Expenses for a small business
- Any letters about money received from the IRS or Maryland
Filing jointly? Both spouses must be present to sign the return.
Free filing is open now
Appointment scheduling for the 2026–2027 season hasn't opened yet — but free online filing is available now. Get your refund and claim the credits you've earned.