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UWCT's regular 2026 VITA season has ended UWCT currently lists First Heroes National Bank as continuing tax services through October 15, 2026. Call before traveling to confirm availability, eligibility, appointment requirements, and the location serving you. |
First Heroes National Bank
Appointment line: 254-532-1026
Fort Hood location: T.J. Mills Boulevard. Visitors without installation access may need a day pass and should allow additional time.
What Is VITA?
Free basic tax-return preparation from trained volunteers
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program generally serves people earning $70,244 or less, people with disabilities, and taxpayers who need language assistance. Tax Counseling for the Elderly services place special emphasis on taxpayers age 60 and older and retirement-related questions.
UWCT's local sites use IRS-certified volunteers and a quality-review process. VITA prepares basic returns within the program's training and scope; individual eligibility is confirmed during screening.
Choose Your Next Step
What kind of tax help do you need?
I WANT SOMEONE TO PREPARE IT
VITA Preparation
Review the current seasonal status, income guidance, return limitations, and required documents before requesting an appointment.
CHECK GENERAL ELIGIBILITY →I WANT TO FILE ONLINE
Free Self-Filing Options
MyFreeTaxes and IRS Free File offer free online options for eligible taxpayers who are comfortable preparing their own returns.
EXPLORE ONLINE FILING →I WANT TO VOLUNTEER
Join the VITA Team
Prepare returns, welcome clients, review completed returns, support site operations, or assist taxpayers who need interpretation.
VIEW VOLUNTEER ROLES →General Screening Guidance
Could VITA prepare your return?
The following information helps with initial screening, but a VITA site must confirm whether your complete tax situation is within its authorized scope.
VITA MAY BE A FIT
Common qualifying situations
• Household income generally $70,244 or less
• Basic wage, retirement, unemployment, interest, education, and dependent information
• Single, married filing jointly, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse status
• Limited self-employment situations that remain within local VITA scope
A PAID PROFESSIONAL MAY BE NEEDED
Examples outside local scope
• Rental-property or farm income
• Complicated or frequent capital-gain activity
• Cryptocurrency transactions
• A business loss, employees, depreciation, or business use of the home
• Self-employment expenses exceeding the local program limit
Important: Do not assume that income alone guarantees service. Bring or describe every income source and tax situation when completing the screening process.
Appointment Checklist
What to bring for tax preparation
Prepare Before Your Appointment
Complete your records before arriving
Self-employed taxpayers should total all business income—including cash—and prepare an itemized expense list and mileage log before the appointment. Missing documents or incomplete records may prevent the return from being completed. Never send sensitive tax documents through ordinary, unsecured email unless specifically instructed through an approved secure process.
Free Online Filing
Prefer to prepare your own return?
UNITED WAY
MyFreeTaxes
MyFreeTaxes currently offers self-filing for households earning under $89,000 and online or in-person VITA preparation for eligible filers earning under $70,244. Supported tax situations differ by filing option.
VISIT MYFREETAXESINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
IRS Free File
IRS Free File currently provides guided partner software for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less. Free File Fillable Forms are available for any income level but provide limited guidance and calculations.
VISIT IRS FREE FILEAlready Filed?
Track your refund directly through the IRS
You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, tax year, and exact refund amount. The IRS says most electronically filed refunds are issued within about three weeks, although some returns take longer.
WHERE'S MY REFUND?Volunteer With VITA
Help Central Texas families keep more of what they earn
2026 regular-season locations archive
The February 2-April 15 locations are no longer presented as open sites. The archived flyer remains available for program records and partner reference.
DOWNLOAD 2026 LOCATIONS ARCHIVEFrequently Asked Questions
Before using VITA
Is UWCT currently accepting regular VITA appointments?
No. UWCT's regular 2026 season ended April 15. UWCT currently lists First Heroes National Bank as continuing tax services through October 15, 2026. Call 254-532-1026 before traveling.
Does earning $70,244 or less guarantee that VITA can prepare my return?
No. Income is one screening factor. Filing status, income sources, self-employment details, rental property, investments, cryptocurrency, farm income, and other complexities can affect eligibility.
Can VITA prepare a prior-year or amended return?
The current UWCT program information says it may prepare certain prior-year and amended returns within a three-year period, subject to appointment availability, documentation, and program scope. Confirm this when scheduling.
Can I file jointly without my spouse present?
Both spouses generally must participate and sign a joint return. Ask the site about approved alternatives when a spouse cannot be present.
How quickly will I receive a refund?
The IRS says electronically filed refunds are typically issued within about three weeks, but errors, identity-verification needs, credit reviews, or other issues can cause delays. Do not spend or commit a refund before it is received.
Are VITA volunteers trained and certified?
Yes. Volunteers performing tax-preparation and designated review duties complete applicable IRS training and certification. Returns receive a quality review before filing.
Who should I contact with UWCT VITA questions?
Call United Way of Central Texas at 254-778-8616 or email VITA@uwct.org.
Free tax help can strengthen an entire household
Review current tax-help availability, prepare your documents, explore free online filing, or volunteer your time to help Central Texas families keep more of what they earn.
CURRENT TAX HELP VOLUNTEER WITH VITA