For over 50 years, the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has offered free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
Qualifications:
- People who generally make $70,000 or less annually
- Persons with disabilities
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
- Senior citizens
The VITA initiative is part of our Financial Security work at United Way of Acadiana, aiming to expand support and make a greater impact in our Acadiana community.
Appointment Scheduling
To book your appointment online, please follow these steps:
- Visit Our Scheduling Platform: Click the button below!
- Select Your Location: Choose the location that is closest or most convenient to you.
- Choose a Date and Time: Select an available time slot that works for you.
- Provide Your Information: Fill out the required details to confirm your appointment.
- Confirmation: A confirmation email with your selected dates/times, cancellation instructions, and the required documents you must bring to your appointment.
During your drop-off appointment, you will submit your tax documents, complete the intake process, and then return on the scheduled day to pick up your completed tax return.
Your pick-up appointment will be scheduled at the time of your drop-off.
VITA Locations
Locations: Online Scheduling Required
1. Acadiana High School – Lafayette | 315 Rue du Belier, Lafayette, LA 70506
Drop-Off, No Appointment Needed: Mon-Fri 7 AM–2 PM | Pick-Up: By Appointment | Dates: 1/26/2026–4/15/2026
Phone: 337-521-7959, Ext. 5 | Email: sbbennett@lpssonline.com
2. ASSIST Agency – Crowley | 225 N. Ave. C, Crowley, LA 70526
Drop-Off By Appointment: Tues 8:30 AM–3:30 PM | Pick-Up: Wed By Appointment | Dates: 1/1/2026–4/15/2026
Phone: 337-788-7551 x138 | Email: khuntly@assistagency.org
3. ASSIST Agency – Abbeville | 304 C N Hospital Dr, Abbeville, LA 70510
Drop-Off By Appointment: Mon 8:30 AM–3:30 PM | Pick-Up: Wed By Appointment | Dates: 1/1/2026–4/15/2026
Phone: 337-898-9554 | Email: khuntly@assistagency.org
4. United Way St. Landry/Evangeline | 5367 I-49 S Service Rd, Opelousas, LA 70570
Drop-Off By Appointment: Mon 1–4 PM | Pick-Up: By Appointment | Dates: 2/2/2026–4/15/2026
Phone: 337-942-7815 | Email: communityoutreach@uwsle.org
5. VITA St. Landry – Stacey Neville | 1209 Desi St, Opelousas, LA 70570
Drop-Off: Call for Appointment | Pick-Up: By Appointment | Dates: 1/25/2026–4/15/2026
Phone: 225-418-7371 | Email: staceynevills.brady@gmail.com
Locations: Online Scheduling Not Available – Call/Email/Walk-In
5. St. Mary CAA – Franklin | 1407 Barrow St, Franklin, LA 70538
Drop-Off: Call for Appointment | Pick-Up: Tue–Thu 9:30 AM–2 PM Walk-In | Dates: 1/20/2026–10/31/2026
Phone: 337-828-5703 | Email: smcaainfo@stmarycca.org
6. St. Mary CAA – Morgan City | 4014 Chennault St, Morgan City, LA 70380
Drop-Off: Call for Appointment | Pick-Up: Tue–Thu 9:30 AM–2 PM Walk-In | Dates: 1/20/2026–10/31/2026
Phone: 985-384-7446 | Email: smcaainfo@stmarycca.org
7. SMILE CAA – Lafayette | 501 St. John St, Lafayette, LA 70501
Drop-Off: Mon–Thu 8 AM–4:30 PM Walk-In | Pick-Up: Fri 8 AM–1 PM Walk-In | Dates: 2/2/2026–4/15/2026
Phone: 337-234-3272 x203 | Email: froberson@smilecaa.org
8. SMILE CAA – New Iberia | 722 Walton St, New Iberia, LA 70560
Drop-Off: Mon–Thu 9 AM–12 PM & 1–3 PM Walk-In | Pick-Up: Fri 9 AM–1 PM Walk-In | Dates: 2/2/2026–4/15/2026
Phone: 337-365-8151 x401 | Email: froberson@smilecaa.org
232-Help can assist taxpayers who may need special assistance with appointment scheduling. Please call them if you are:
- Are over the age of 60 and need the assistance
- Do not have access to the internet
- Have a language barrier
For questions regarding sites, days, locations, or help with scheduling please contact each individual site.
For errors on this platform please direct those questions to United Way of Acadiana 337-233-8302 Ext 213 or VITA@unitedwayofacadiana.org
On behalf of United Way of Acadiana and our partner agencies, We thank you for making this tax season so impactful for our community.
Taxpayer Advocate Service
The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is an IRS program that provides an independent system to assure that tax problems, which have not been resolved through normal channels, are promptly and fairly handled. Each state has a Taxpayer Advocate to assist that state’s taxpayers.
Closest one to Lafayette is in Baton Rouge but they can find the nearest to them here: https://apps.irs.gov/app/office-locator/
VITA FAQ’s
What does VITA stand for?
Who is eligible for this free service? (VITA Qualifications)
You may qualify for free tax prep through VITA if one (or all) of these apply to you.
- Your total household income was $67,000 or less.
- You do not receive active military pay.
- You are not practicing clergy.
- You did not have farm income.
- You did not own a business.
- You did not have rental property income.
- You did not have income from trading stocks or bonds.
- You don’t speak English well enough to complete your taxes.
- You have a disability.
What should people bring with them when meeting with the tax specialist?
- Proof of ID
- SSN Card for you, spouse, and dependents and/or Social Security Number verification issued by the social security information
- Birth dates for you, spouse, and dependents on tax return
- Wage and earning statements: Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
- Proof of bank account, routing numbers, and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check
- Total paid for daycare and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number if appropriate
What if I am self-employed?
- Visit this link to view the MyFreeTaxes Self-Employed Tax Guides.
Do most people get a refund?
YES! Just last year we helped Acadiana residents claim nearly $3 million in refunds.
How many people took advantage of this program last year?
Over 3,000 local residents utilized our service last year.
When it comes to tax preparation, what tips can you offer folks?
Most people do not take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). We aggressively search for the EITC as it can garner over $6,000 extra on your refund.
Keep your refund safe this year by investing in a local Acadiana bank. Learn more about our Bank On program here.
For additional questions, please contact vita@unitedwayofacadiana.org
Our VITA Partners
