Residents in the Green Valley area can avail themselves of IRS-certified volunteers for income tax preparation and e-filing services. These programs, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and AARP Tax-Aide, operate across four locations in the area, each with its specific operations.

VITA Program Sites

The VITA program runs at three locations: GVR East Center, St. Francis-In-The-Valley Episcopal Church, and the Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center. Volunteers in VITA and AARP Tax-Aide undergo thorough training and pass IRS certification tests before assisting clients.

• VITA Focus and Guidelines
• Both VITA and AARP Tax-Aide cater to individuals eligible as per IRS guidelines.
• They don’t prepare business returns but can help self-employed individuals.
• Neither program handles Married Filing Separately returns due to Arizona’s community property state status.
• Farm income returns are also outside their scope.
• VITA has income restrictions, unlike AARP Tax-Aide.

COVID Precautions and Health Measures

Given the ongoing COVID/RSV concerns, precautions are in place at all sites. Individuals feeling unwell, in recent contact with COVID-positive individuals, or testing positive should refrain from visiting these tax sites for at least five days or until they test negative.

Details of VITA Tax Sites

GVR East Center

• Operates Saturdays from Feb. 3 to April 13 by appointment only.
• Clients complete IRS intake sheets, undergo interviews, and leave while their returns are processed.
• Completed returns are e-filed with the IRS and states.
• Only one member of a couple is recommended to be present during initial paperwork completion due to COVID concerns.

St. Francis-In-The-Valley Episcopal Church

• Operating on Fridays from Feb. 2 to April 12 by appointment only.
• Similar procedures as GVR East Center with a next-day review and signing process.

Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center

• Open from Jan. 24 to April 11 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and select Saturdays.
• Qualified clients with income up to $60,000 are assisted by certified counselors.
• Returns are quality reviewed, explained, and e-filed on the same day.

AARP Tax-Aide Site Details

La Posada Community Center

• Open on Wednesdays and Fridays from Feb. 2 to April 12 by appointment only.
• Online appointments or calls for appointments starting Jan. 15.
• Similar paperwork drop-off and review process as VITA sites, but only prepares AZ state tax returns.

For appointments and further information, individuals can utilize the provided contact numbers for each site. Walk-ins are accepted if time allows, but appointments are encouraged. COVID precautions are strictly adhered to across all sites, ensuring the safety of both clients and volunteers.