Free Tax Preparation

Free Tax PrepAration

Free tax prep services for qualifying individuals and households with incomes of up to about $64,000

Don't Pay For Costly Tax Preparation If You Don't Have To

The River Center's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax preparation to eligible individuals and households with incomes of around $64,000 in 2023. Our IRS-certified volunteers work with you to maximize your refund and to take advantage of credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit.

Call: (603) 924-6800 EXT. 30

Am I eligible for your free tax program?

What we can prepare

The following is a general list of what qualifies for our free tax preparation program. Please note that an appointment is not a guarantee that your return is in scope. If you are not sure, please call us at (603) 924-6800 ext 30 or email [email protected].

Wages, salaries, etc. (Form W-2)
Interest Income (Form 1099-INT)
Dividends Received (Form 1099-DIV)
State Tax Refunds (Form 1099-G)
Unemployment Benefits (Form 1099-G)
IRA Distributions (Form 1099-R)
Pension Income (Forms 1099-R, RRB-1099, CSA-1099)
Social Security Benefits (Form SSA-1099)
Simple Capital Gain/Loss (Form 1099-B)
Self-employed Income (Form 1099-MISC) limited
Gambling Winnings (Form W-2G)
Health Savings Accounts (Form 1099-SA) limited
Itemized Deductions limited
Education Credits (Form 1098-T)
Child Tax Credit
Earned Income Credit
ACA Statements (Forms 1095-A, B or C)

What we cannot prepare (out of scope)

We are not able to do your taxes if you have:

income from driving a cab, rental income
any tax filing requirements involving cryptocurrency
self-employment if from a hobby, farm/agriculture
filed bankruptcy in the tax year you wish to file

There are also other, less common situations that are out of our scope. Please contact us if you have any questions about this information. For a more complete list of VITA scope, see the chart on the IRS website:

VITA Scope of Service

Three Ways For You To File Your Return With Us

We know you're busy and you want options to fit your schedule. This year we have THREE ways for you to file your return!

1. Valet VITA (open to read more)

This is a 2-visit appointment.
First you meet with a volunteer to review your information and documents, You return the following week to finalize your return for e-filing. We keep your documents behind lock and key until you return to finalize your return.
Pros:

First visit is about 30 minutes, 2nd visit is about 10 minutes.
No need to wait around for your return to be prepared, but you must sit down for an interview to go over your documents so we can make sure we have everything we need to prepare an accurate return.
If you have forgotten a document, we can send you an invitation to upload your documents into our software so you can save yourself an extra visit.

Cons:

One week turnaround time, 2 visits.

2. Traditional VITA (open to read more)

With a traditional VITA appointment, you meet with volunteers who will prepare and review your tax return, you finalize your return for e-filing and you leave with a copy of your completed and signed tax return.
Pros:

One visit only.
You can learn more about The River Center and what we have to offer you and your family.
You are able to ask and answer questions as the volunteers are preparing your return.

Cons:

Expect to spend up to 2 hours in our office.
You must make another appointment if you are missing documents.
Rescheduling your appointment must wait until our next business day (usually Monday).
We do not have refreshments available to the public so please bring your own!

3. DIY VITA (open to read more)

If you have a simpler return:

standard deduction
limited interest and dividends
W-2 income
Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
student loan education/deductions),

skip the line and make an appointment to prepare your return yourself with our software and e-file for free. Email [email protected] for more information.
Pros:

No wait.
You get the satisfaction of learning how to do your own return! (with guidance from an IRS-certified volunteer).
You learn more about your own taxes so you can become a more informed taxpayer.

Cons:

None.

Another Free Way To File With The IRS

Direct File Pilot - this is a new program that the IRS is rolling out this year to a limited number of states. Filers will be able to prepare and file their own tax returns directly with the IRS for free. No more middle-person to pay or waiting for spots to open up. Go here to learn more and to find out if you're eligible.

What to bring to your appointment

Your tax return is only as accurate as the information you provide to us so be sure to collect all of the required documents to prepare your return when you make the call for an appointment AND when you come in for your appointment.

Individuals/Families: List of documents to bring

Photo ID - if filing a joint return, both spouses must be present
SSN (original/copy) for everyone on your tax return. If you have lost or misplaced your card and don't have any of the documents listed below, , as a NH resident you must go to the Social Security field office closest to you to apply for a replacement. We accept the following forms of proof:
- Social Security Card
- Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration
- Social Security income statement (or any document issued from the Social Security Administration)
Bank routing/account #s for direct deposit
All 2023 W-2, 1099 tax forms
*1098-T (if applicable)
*Year-end childcare expenses statement (if applicable)
*Self-employment income and expenses - totaled & categorized (if applicable) - see the drop-down for a form for Self-Employed filers.
*All relevant tax forms (ex. 1095A for Marketplace Health Insurance, any Forms 1099, 1098E, HSA Forms 54980S, 1099-SA etc)
*Last year's tax return (helpful for accuracy)
For a more comprehensive list of what to bring, go here: IRS Pub 3676-A

IMPORTANT: We are unable to accept *any* email with personal identifiable information (PII) such as tax documents, copies of social security cards, etc. We will delete the email and ask you to bring in the documents in person or upload them to your tax return via the Customer Portal in our software (ask us about this).

Keep your identity safe!

Self-Employed: List of documents to bring

Bring all of the same applicable and required documents in the INDIVIDUALS/HOUSEHOLDS list, but also complete this:

Self-Employment Tax Organizer (SETO)

**You do not need to bring any receipts or bank statements because you will provide your income and expenses on the SETO form. You do need to keep them as documentation (receipts, etc) in case the IRS contacts you to verify your self-employment income and expenses.

Other options for tax preparation

NH Tax Help
AARP Locator:
Free File Options:
- MyFreeTaxes (income limits may apply)
- IRS Free File (various providers)
- GetYourRefund - 100% virtual
VITA/TCE Site Locator
Find a CPA - New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants

TAX FILING SEASON CLINIC HOURS:

See you in 2025!

Call (603) 924-6800 ext 30 to schedule

SAVE THE DATE:
January 16, 2024 - We will start taking calls for appointments
January 27, 2024 - Tax clinic opens
April 15, 2024 - Tax clinic closes

IMPORTANT: Do not email any documents with personal identifiable information (PII) such as tax documents, copies of social security cards, etc. We will delete the email and ask you to bring in the documents in person or upload them to your tax return via the Customer Portal in our software (ask us about this).

Keep your identity and information safe!

Frequently asked questions

I still have to file for 2020, 2019, 20XX. Will you prepare those returns too?

Yes, we can prepare those returns for you as well. However, we may only have time at your appointment for your 2023 tax return so we may ask you to come back at a quieter time in the season. If you have previous year returns to file, Valet VITA on Wednesdays might be the best fit for you so you only have to make 2 visits and not more than that.

Can I bring my son/daughter/other relative to have their return prepared too?

Yes! They will also need to have their own appointment, have all of their required documents and identification, and be present in order for us to prepare their return.

I can't find my social security card. Do I need to bring it?

Yes, all taxpayers are required by the IRS to show their social security cards (or copies) to prevent identity theft. Alternatively, you can provide Form SSA-1099 from the Social Security Administration.

NEW CLIENTS: If you are new to our program, have lost or misplaced your card and don't have any of the acceptable forms, as a NH resident you must go to the Social Security field office closest to you to apply for a replacement before we can prepare your return. Other states may allow you to apply online for one. This is an IRS requirement for all VITA sites.

Can I sign the return for my spouse?

Generally, no. Your spouse must sign the return and e-file authorization form themselves unless Form 2848 Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative has been prepared in advance or you and your spouse are known to the site. If your spouse is unable to sign for themselves due to injury or disease and you are known to the site, please let us know when you schedule your appointment and let the volunteer preparer know when you arrive. Your spouse may also come on a different date convenient to them to finalize your return.

I made an appointment and now I can't make it/I filed my taxes myself/I don't want the appointment. Do I need to call?

Yes, PLEASE! We have limited appointment spots available and so these spots are hot items. Call us ASAP at (603) 924-6800 ext 30 to call and/or reschedule no later than 24 hours before your appointment

Can I just drop off my tax documents and come back at a later time?

Valet VITA Appointments: These are also sometimes referred to as "drop-offs" but it's not that simple. The IRS requires each VITA site to have filers fill out an intake form, and other necessary forms. All filers must then participate in an interview to go over your answers on the form and your documents before you leave in order to prepare your return accurately.

I haven't seen my refund yet. What do I do?

You can check the status of your refund here.

Do I have to file?

If your income is below the standard deduction for your filing status, you generally don't have a filing requirement. Go here to use the IRS tool to determine if you need to file.

Can I bring my passport instead of my social security card?

No.
Your unexpired passport, however, can be used as your government-issued photo ID that you must also bring.

Why do I have to fill out all of this paperwork before my appointment?

All VITA programs nationwide are required to have an intake/interview form (Form 13614-C) completed for every tax return prepared. Either the taxpayer can complete the form or a VITA volunteer can assist if needed.

This intake form is required so that the volunteer preparers have the necessary information needed to complete an accurate return.

Why can't I just drop by and have someone do my taxes?

The VITA program is powered by volunteers--people in the community such as your neighbors, your friends, your bank teller, a family member, anyone! Our VITA Clinic is open on Wednesdays (generally 1 pm - 7 pm) and Saturdays (8:30 am - 2:30 pm) during tax season. Only then are there volunteers able to prepare tax returns for filers with appointments. Our clinic is not open during other business hours.

Contact form submissions are responded to on M-Th. If you have a more urgent request, please call us at (603) 924-6800 or email [email protected] directly. If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911.