United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s free tax initiative, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is open for registration. Make appointments for any site by dialing 211.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s IRS-certified volunteers will supply free tax prep for individuals or families earning less than $57,000 in income tax for 2021. Designed for low-to-moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and limited English speaking residents who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, VITA is responsible for returning over $4.4 million to the region each year.

Making an appointment for in-person or drop-off must be done by dialing 211. Multiple sites in the five-parish Southwest Louisiana region are open for appointments. An up-to-date list is maintained online at unitedwayswla.org/vita or by dialing 211. The waiting area at sites is for the tax client only, and no other guests are allowed inside due to pandemic restrictions.

To prepare your taxes through the VITA system without visiting a site, go online to unitedwayswla.org/vita and click the MYFREETAXES link.

Any organization, business or agency willing to host a VITA site can contact United Way of Southwest Louisiana at 337.433.1088 ext. 210.