Your taxes done for free

Please contact us with any questions, but before doing so, read through these answers to common questions we're receiving:

• Are there any other free services I can use to file my taxes? Yes. The IRS has published a list of websites that let low-income individuals file taxes for free. We are not able to provide support for people who chose to use these services.
• How do I know my taxes were successfully sent to the IRS? If there is an issue with filing your taxes, we will contact you directly. So, unless you hear from us, you can assume your taxes were successfully filed.
• I filed my taxes with you but still haven't received my refund. Do you know when I'll receive it? No. Once we file your taxes, the status of your refund is completely out of our hands. However, you are able to track the status of your refund on the IRS' website.
• I forgot to include something on my tax return. Can you help me file an amended return? At this point, we cannot. Please see this website for information about how to file an amended tax return (Form 1040X).
• Can you send me another copy of my taxes? No. As soon as the tax season ends, we delete all taxpayer information from our system. We recommend scanning your tax return if you want a digital copy. You can use the color printers in the Harold B. Lee Library to scan documents for free (click here for details). If you lost the documents we gave you, use the IRS transcript tool to retrieve your tax return information. Remember, you should keep all your tax documents for at least three years in case you get audited.
• View additional answers to frequently asked questions on our FAQs page.

For all other questions, use the button below to contact us via email (vita.byu@gmail.com).

What is VITA?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a partnership between BYU Beta Alpha Psi and the IRS. This program offers free tax help to people who generally make $60,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free, basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. The BYU VITA site is for U.S. residents only. If you are a nonresident, please visit the International VITA site on BYU's campus.

Read about us in The Daily Universe: BYU program provides free tax return assistance to the community

How can I get help?

Our services are available on a walk-in basis—no appointments required. Please keep the following in mind:

1. Our staffing is entirely based on volunteer availability and our services are in high demand. We do our best to meet demand with our limited resources, but we aren't always able to service everyone who wants our help. The earlier in the tax season you access our services, the more likely it is we can help you. Additionally, the earlier in the day you visit our lab, the less time you typically have to wait to get help.
2. When you arrive at the lab, you will put your name on a walk-in list. If you are not present when we call your name to help you, you will forfeit your place in line. To put your name on the walk-in list, fill out the form on this page (also accessible via the QR code on the door to the lab). This ensures all of our visitors have the same opportunity to receive help.
3. Once a volunteer starts your tax return, it can take up to an hour and a half to complete. This doesn't include time waiting for a volunteer to become available. Please plan accordingly!
4. Prior to visiting our lab, please read through the Get Started and Frequently Asked Questions pages so we can serve you better. If you do not have the required documents, we will not be able to finish your return. If you have any questions, please contact us and we will get back to you in a timely manner.

Do I need an appointment?

It depends on when you want to visit the VITA lab:

• Monday through Friday: We will service our visitors on a first come, first served (walk-in) basis; no appointments are available.
  
  • You can see how busy the lab is by looking at the Lab Queue.
• Saturday: Appointments are required; no walk-ins available. Click here to make a Saturday appointment.

The lab hours and location are listed at the bottom of this page.

Does BYU VITA provide virtual/remote services?

No; all returns must be done at our in-person lab. We are taking appropriate precautions to minimize any health risks posed to our clients and volunteers.

Disclaimer

By using VITA, you are completely responsible and liable for the information on your return. If you get audited, we do not have any responsibility to help you with the audit.

How else can I efile my taxes for free?

Especially later in the tax season, the VITA lab can have a line that is multiple hours long. To browse alternative ways to efile, visit the IRS Free File page to see if you qualify for any of their options.