Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Banks County and Habersham County Extension offer free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA).

Do you need help maximizing your refund? UGA Extension in Banks and Habersham is here to help! Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, IRS-certified preparers can prepare your federal and state tax returns, free of charge. VITA is designed to assist qualified taxpayers and to ensure that seniors, limited income families, and others receive every available benefit. 

How does it work?

The process consists of two appointments. In the first, you will meet with the volunteer tax preparer and give them all the documentation and information they need to prepare your return. About 2 weeks later, you will return for your second appointment, in which you will review, sign, and file your return.

I am not a senior or a low-income family--can I still benefit? 

Likely, yes! There are few situations for which we CANNOT prepare taxes. Those situations include:

• Have income from rental property
• Own a farm and have farm income
• Have a small business with expenes in 2024 that exceed $35,000, a net loss of any amount, inventory, employees, or business use of home
• Are married filing separately without spouse’s birthdate or social security number
• Are an active military member

I am not a Banks or Habersham County resident--can I still benefit?

Yes! We can prepare federal and state returns for all 50 states. You must be physically present at both appointments to participate. In the 2025 tax season, we have appointments available in Homer (413 Evans St), Demorest (Piedmont University), and Cornelia (Cornelia Library).

How do I make my appointments?

Call our office at 706-677-6230 or 706-754-2318.

You can also request an appointment by submitting your information here.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please plan on bringing the following documents:

• Photo ID for taxpayer and spouse 
• Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for you, your spouse, and all dependents,  
• Birthdates for you, your spouse, and all dependents 
• Proof of income (W-2s for all jobs last year, 1099s, statements for prizes, scholarships/fellowships, or lottery/gambling winnings, Social Security) 
• Documentation if itemizing (Ex. Mortgage interest, property tax bills, vehicle tax, charity donations, medical expenses) 
• 1095-A for anyone in your house who had health coverage through the Marketplace (Affordable Care Act)
• If applicable, child care or dependent care expenses 
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit if you expect a refund 
• If you have a copy of last year’s tax return, please bring it (not required)

Questions? 

Please contact our office at 706-677-6230, 706-754-2318, or susie.burton@uga.edu.