VITA is closed for the 2024 tax season. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for after season assistance starting in May, please call 262-898-2248 or email us at taxhelp@unitedwayracine.org.

United Way of Racine County VITA offers both federal and state income tax preparation for Wisconsin residents. Services are provided by trained and vetted volunteers. We are unable to serve taxpayers who claim rental or farm income or file as Married Filing Separately. Services will be offered Monday through Saturday. Morning, afternoon and evening appointments are available. If you are not feeling well on the day of your appointment, cancel your appointment and reschedule for a different day.

Appointments are available for in-person services for both federal and state returns as well as Homestead only returns. Please allow a minimum of one hour for your full-service tax preparation appointment. If you do not have time for an in-person tax appointment, you can utilize our virtual option from the comfort of your own home. Visit www.unitedwayracine.org/vita for more information and to start the process.

United Way of Racine County - VITA Program - Necessary Documents

Failure to bring all required documentation with you to your appointment will delay your assistance. 

A list of necessary documents to bring to your income tax preparation appointment can also be found at http://www.unitedwayracine.org/vita.

  • Government issued photo ID/driver's license, showing proof of identification of who you are.
  • Social Security cards for you and your dependents, as well as your spouse. You can bring the actual Social Security cards, or you can bring letters of verification from the Social Security Administration. If you don't have a Social Security number, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or the proper proof of foreign status.
  • All of your income statements, for you and your spouse. This includes your W-2 forms, and all 1099 forms (interest and dividends, social security) that you have received, 1098-T for education credits, and 1095 showing health insurance.
  • Total amount paid for childcare or elder care. You will need the tax ID numbers for those providing the care services. You might be eligible for a dependent care credit.
  • If you want your money deposited directly into your bank account, you will need to bring your bank information. A blank or voided check can be used to provide your bank routing number, as well as your account number.
  • If you are married filing jointly, you can file electronically only if you and your spouse are both present to sign the forms that allow for it.
  • If filing homestead, you will need to have a completed and signed rent certificate or property tax bill from the year you are claiming the credit and documentation for all forms of income received including SSI, SSDI, supplemental social security and/or child support received.

Information

Free tax preparation is available to Racine County residents who cannot afford to pay to have their taxes prepared for them thanks to the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program and amazing community volunteers. This program aims to help families avoid high tax prep fees, access all credits they are eligible for and connect families to services and programs that will help them increase their financial stability.

Locations of United Way of Racine County's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program sites

  • Workforce Solutions,1717 Taylor Ave., Racine, WI, 53403. Use the north entrance and go to classroom C.
  • Racine Public Library,75 7th St.,          Racine, WI, 53403. Free parking in main library lot during VITA hours. Site is held on the second floor. Elevator available.
  • Case High School,7345 Washington Ave., Racine, WI, 53406. Park in main lot or circle by theatre doors. Enter through Theatre doors located on the north side of the building.
  • RUSD Community Pathways, 2333 Northwestern Ave, Racine, WI, 53404. Park in the lot in the back of the building. Site is held on the second floor. Elevator available. 
  • George Bray Neighborhood YMCA, 924 Center St., Racine, WI, 53403.
  • Burlington Public Library, 166 E. Jefferson St., Burlington, WI, 53105. Site held in the lower level. Elevator available.

Within minutes of making your appointment, you should receive a confirmation email with a calendar appointment attached to the email. In addition, if you provide a cell number, you will also receive a text reminder the day before your appointment.

Appointments can be changed or canceled at any time on this website. You can also make or cancel an appointment at any time (24/7) using our automated phone system by dialing (262) 383-2504 and following the instructions.