The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation for qualified individuals. VITA services are not only free, but they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing.
Ocean County College will host a VITA site for 2024 tax returns beginning on February 3, 2025. Volunteers include Ocean County College students, faculty, and alumni. The site is open to members of the public who qualify.
Qualifications
Most individuals and married couples with incomes less than $67,000 per year are eligible for assistance with their tax preparation and e-filing for state and federal taxes. Some taxpayers may have less common circumstances that prevent a VITA site from preparing your return, per the Internal Revenue Service guidelines. The IRS has issued Publication 3676, listing what types of returns can and cannot be prepared. Please make sure you qualify before making an appointment. For questions, contact VITA@ocean.edu.
To serve as many clients as possible, we may be unable to serve those whose returns require excessive data entry, such as those with many stocks or other security sales. Please note that we cannot assist non-US resident taxpayers. We cannot prepare prior year, amended, and out-of-state (non-NJ) returns.
Appointments
This is an appointment-only site. Book an appointment
Operating Days and Hours
Mon: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wed: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thurs: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What to Bring
The IRS will not allow VITA to prepare taxes without required documentation. Be prepared to provide the following to your appointment:
- For married filing joint, both spouses must be present
- Government issued photo identification for you and your spouse (if married)
- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number documents for you, your spouse, and/or dependents
- Birth dates for you, spouse, and/or dependents
- A copy of last year’s tax return
- All Forms W-2 and 1099
- Forms 1095-A, B or C (ACA Statements)
- Information for other income
- Information for all deductions (including charitable contributions)/credits
- Total paid to day care provider and their tax ID number
- For direct deposit of refund, proof of account and bank’s routing number
Location
Ocean County College
1 College Drive
Toms River, NJ 08754
Hovnanian Health Sciences Building (Building #102), Room #103
Get in Touch
Have any Questions?
