You don’t need to pay to file your taxes. Save your money and maximize your tax refund with free tax preparation assistance in person or online. Also! These services are available to EVERYONE who meets the criteria, not just our clients!
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a free tax preparation service for Santa Barbara County residents. To get started, visit myfreetaxes.org.
You can:
• File online on your own,
• File online with virtual help, or
• Schedule in-person help.
United Way covers the cost. Whichever way you choose, it’s safe, convenient, and free. United Way will cover the cost of filing both State and Federal tax returns if:
• You earned up to $89K and you file online at myfreetaxes.org OR
• You earned up to $69K and you file in person at a VITA location. Set an appointment at myfreetaxes.org.
Volunteers are IRS-certified. In-person tax preparation will take place from February - April 2026. Help is provided by volunteers certified by VITA, an IRS program that certifies volunteer tax preparers to complete your state and federal tax returns and answer your questions.
Did you know? You should always file your tax returns—even if you didn’t make enough money to be required to file, and even if you don’t owe anything. Filing your returns is how you can collect cash-back refunds, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, that could put thousands of dollars in your pocket, and it doesn’t cost you a cent to file!
No Social Security Number? No problem! You can still claim state tax credits with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
For more information, including a list of the items you’ll need to file your taxes, visit myfreetaxes.org or text TAXES to 211-211.