Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

The VITA program is operated by Berks Encore. Returns are completed at each of our activity centers. More than 60 volunteers, many of them senior citizens themselves, prepare for any given tax season by attending 20 hours of tax training for Federal returns. The volunteers must also pass a five-hour tax test following their training sessions.

The VITA volunteers are able to prepare federal, state, and local tax forms, as well as, property tax and rent rebate forms and PACE/Pacenet applications.

In addition to the tax preparation at our center locations, some of the volunteers visit homebound individuals to prepare their returns. We also have bilingual volunteers who can assist the Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations.

This service is available to all taxpayers; however, it is geared primarily to low- to middle-income residents and seniors.

Appointments can be made by calling Berks Encore at (610) 374-3195.

Documents to Bring When Having Your Taxes Done

When you arrive for your Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) appointment, it is important that you bring along the proper documentation. Without it, your VITA volunteer cannot complete the process, which may delay the completion of your return or require that you reschedule your appointment. To keep things on track, be sure to bring the following with you when having a VITA volunteer complete your taxes.

Documentation needed when filing federal and state income tax returns:

• Proof of identification
• Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Current year's tax package (if applicable)
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• A copy of last year's federal and state returns (if applicable)
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number (the provider's Social Security Number or the provider's business Employer Identification Number)
• Copy of any forms 1099 received from the Railroad Retirement Board.
• For any sales of stock we must have brokerage documents reflecting cost basis and selling prices.

Documentation needed when filing a rent or property tax rebate in addition to the documents listed above:

• Copies of all real estate tax bills and they must be marked paid or be supported by a cancelled check or receipt in order to claim the property tax rebate.
• Copy of Landlord Certificate indicating the amount of rent that you paid during the year 2010 if you are claiming a Rent Rebate.
• Your Pennsylvania driver's license or identification if you have to furnish proof of age.