Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Many of our neighbors in need my qualify for a tax refund. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a free, IRS-sponsored program to help low- and middle-income individuals and families have their federal and state personal income taxes prepared and filed electronically at no cost to the taxpayer. The program serves households and individuals with incomes up to $69,000 for in-person help and up to $89,000 is requesting the URL to do your own taxes free of charge.  This program is available year around with the help of volunteer IRS tax certified volunteers during the tax season at our two locations, Ashland and Superior. We also provide a computer lab and help if needed at the Lew Martin Senior Center year around.

VITA ensures that taxpayers receive all the tax credits (Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit) to which they are entitled. Envelopes are available to pick up during the tax season at our Ashland or Superior office.  Appointments are available for in-person preparation at the Ashland office.

Superior Office

This site is located at the Main Office of NWCSA.  Staffed with trained IRS-certified volunteers, this site does the drop off-pick up model for taxes. Normal operations are Monday-Thursday 8 am to 4:30 pm.  Envelopes are available to pick up during the tax year. Questions can be answered by calling 715-392-5127.

Ashland Office

This site is located at the Ashland Office of NWCSA. Staffed with IRS-certified volunteers, VITA Greeters work with clients to get their paperwork in order and answer basic questions. Or they process drop off tax envelopes that are prepared onsite. Normal operations are Monday-Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. In-person appointments are available by calling 715-292-6400 x2.

Lew Martin Senior Center

This site is located at the Lew Martin Senior Center Computer Lab.  It will be available to file your state, federal, and homestead taxes as long as you make less than $89,000. The lab is available to Monday afternoons, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday all day. Any computer or tax issues will be handled on site by IRS trained staff.  Any help provided is on a first come first serve basis.  For more information call 715-394-3644.

Self Prep Taxes

Have a computer and want to do your taxes at home? Just email us at taxassistance@northwest-csa.org to request a URL for self-prepared taxes but with the benefit of IRS certified tax preparer who is available to answer your tax questions within 48 hours. Available to file state, federal, and homestead taxes for free as long as you make less than $89,000.

What is needed for your taxes

  • Photo ID for the taxpayer and all adults on the return.
  • Social Security cards or ITIN documentation for everyone on the return (including all children).
  • Birth dates for everyone on the return.
  • All income received during the tax year (W2, 1099s, retirement, interest, dividends, social security, etc.)
  • All 1098 forms for educational expenses.  Including dollar amounts paid for books, tuition, fees, etc.
  • 1095A form for health insurance through the Marketplace.
  • Information on childcare provider including name, address, tax id number, phone number, and amount paid for each child in care.
  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit.
  • Property tax bill or rent certificate.
  • Benefit letter from Social Security stating when you became disabled if on SSI or SSDI.
  • Bank statements for anything that was earned and not proved in any other way.
  • Previous year's tax return.

Do it yourself

at home

  • Prepare your own federal, state, or homestead tax return using our free online software in the comfort and safety of your home.
  • There are no fees as long as you make less than $89,000.
  • Interview based software helps you file an accurate return.
  • File electronically and get your refund faster.
  • You will have access to your tax return at anytime.
  • Requires basic computer skills and access to last year's tax return.
  • IRS-certified tax preparers are available to answer your questions within 48 hours, as long as it is within the scope of their training.
  • Send an email to taxassistance@northwest-csa.org to get the URL and begin the process of filing your taxes.
Request Information

Taxes we do not prepare

Our VITA program is staffed by IRS certified volunteer tax preparers. There are some types of taxes that we are not certified to complete. If you know your return will include any of the following, the VITA program will unfortunately not be able to help.

  • Rental income
  • Farm income
  • Royalties
  • Business expenses such as home offices, equipment depreciation, inventory, or payroll (mileage, supplies, insurance, etc. are covered under the VITA program.)
  • Business expenses in excess of $35,000 or that result in a loss (expenses that exceed gross receipts).
  • Cancellation of debt including bankruptcy, foreclosure, settlement of credit card debit for less than the whole amount.
  • Military Income
  • International students