The Community Assistance Center is taking the stress out of tax season for low- and moderate-income earners through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2026 tax filing season.
The CAC’s free service provides professional tax preparation assistance to households across the Atlanta area with an annual income of less than $67,000. The program also serves individuals with disabilities and taxpayers with limited English proficiency.
Eligible community members can schedule an appointment by emailing vita@ourcac.org or calling the CAC Helpline at (770) 552-4015. Appointments are required.
Participants should bring the following documentation:
• Government-issued photo identification
• Social Security card or ITIN letter
• Income documents and any additional tax forms
• A copy of last year’s tax return (if available)
Keeping dollars local
CEO Francis Horton III said the annual program reinforces the CAC’s role as a powerful economic driver and a critical support for working families striving toward financial stability.
“Since 2010, CAC’s participation in the VITA program has returned more than $6.3 million in federal and state refunds to the community, ” Horton said. “In 2025, CAC’s VITA program reached a historic milestone, serving the highest number of tax filers in the program’s history and generating the largest total refund amount to date, supported by the highest level of volunteer participation the program has seen.”
The program processed 590 tax returns for 503 individuals, bringing nearly $700,000 in refunds back into the local economy and saving the community approximately $206,000 in tax filing fees compared to professional services, according to the Central Perimeter nonprofit. Thirty-nine dedicated volunteers, contributing more than 2,000 hours of service, make it possible.
The VITA program is an IRS initiative, in partnership with the United Way of Greater Atlanta, that assists moderate- and lower-income earners with accurate and timely tax filings.
Two main tax credits can help families: the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit. The CAC has special permission to check foreign ID documents, help immigrants get or renew a tax ID number (ITIN), and keep their documentation while filing taxes.
Request for volunteers
Daniel Weiss, a volunteer VITA coordinator, said the program plays a critical role in the community by providing free, accurate tax preparation services to individuals and families who may not otherwise have access to professional tax support.
“By helping people file their taxes accurately and on time, we ensure they receive the refunds and credits they’ve earned, putting more dollars back into household budgets and strengthening our local economy,” Weiss said.
CAC is seeking volunteers to support the 2026 VITA program. Volunteers are asked to commit a few hours each week from February through May to help prepare tax returns or assist in other support roles. No prior experience is required, and training is provided.
VITA volunteer Justin Jiang said being a VITA volunteer gives him a wonderful opportunity to help people in our community.
“It’s a privilege to help them secure the refunds and credits they deserve and provide a service that many cannot afford,” Jiang said. “The most rewarding part is getting to know our repeat clients and seeing them return with more confidence and tax knowledge than the season before.”
Volunteers interested in joining the program can learn more and sign up by contacting the VITA program team directly at vita@ourcac.org.