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VITA Free Tax Prep

free tax prep

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 and Locations

To book your appointment online, please follow these steps:

  1. Visit Our Scheduling Platform: Click the button below!
  2. Select Your Location: Choose the location that is closest or most convenient to you.
  3. Choose a Date and Time: Select an available time slot that works for you.
  4. Provide Your Information: Fill out the required details to confirm your appointment.
  5. 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.

Schedule Here

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

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

9. 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

View additional locations here!

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/

Frequently Asked Questions

Do most people get a refund?
VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and it offers free tax preparation utilizing volunteers that are certified and trained by the IRS.

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.
  • 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
  • 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.
Over 3,000 local residents utilized our service last year.

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