"The VITA program provides free individual income tax preparation for all military personnel and family members eligible for legal assistance (e.g. active duty, retirees, reservists on active duty orders of 30 days or more, and dependents). The program is a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the military."

VITA will make special accommodations to deploying service members.

• April 15, 2021 will be the last day we provide services for the 2020 Tax Season.
• Regular Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 0800-1500            

VITA is free of charge and operates on a first-come-first-serve basis. In addition, VITA now has the ability to send tax preparers to individual units aboard Camp Pendleton to bring Marines and Sailors up to full tax prepared readiness. Because it will be difficult for VITA to provide this service as the tax season progresses, please contact VITA ASAP with your request.

Downloads
Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet (Bring this form filled out to expedite the check in process)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is VITA?
The VITA Center is located at aboard MCRD San Diego, Building 12 (across from the Phillips Hall Fitness Center). 
Our hatch faces the parade deck.  Please do not enter via the SJA entrance.

VITA Clerk: [Telephone capability pending G6 action].

FAQ's
• What do I need to bring?
- The Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet filled out. (To expedite check-in process)
- Military Identification Card(s)
- Social Security Card(s) for yourself and anyone you intend to claim on your taxes 
- Power of Attorney (e.g., Married Filing Joint, Spouse Deployed)
- Last Year’s Federal and State Tax Returns
- Economic Stimulus Payment IRS Notice CP 1378 (to obtain required information visit IRS.GOV to obtain a printout of what you received it can be used in lieu of CP 1378)
- Wage statements – Form W-2
- Pension or Retirement Income – Form 1099R
- Record of Purchase or Sale of Residence
- Alimony Paid or Received (Payer’s/Payee’s Name and Social Security Number)
- IRA Contributions
- Student Loan Interest - Form 1098-E
- Rental Income and Expenses
- Interest and Dividend Income – Form 1099-INT/ Form-1099-DIV
- State Income Tax Refund Amount – Form 1099-G
- Social Security Income – Form SSA-1099
- Unemployment Income – Form 1099-G
- Commissions Received/Paid information on sales of Stocks or Bonds – Form 1099-B
- Self-Employment Business Income & expenses and any Form 1099-MISC
- Lottery or Gambling Winnings Form W-2G
- Income from Partnerships, S Corporations
- Trusts and Estates-Schedule K-1
-Any other evidence of income or tax-related documents

• What are some other items I need to bring?
Two forms of photo ID (including military ID), all W2s, social security cards for yourself and anyone you intend to claim as a dependent, all IRS forms (ex: 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, Mortgage interest statement, Property statements,1098-T, EIN or SSN for Day Care), all receipts and other documentation for itemized deductions.

• Does VITA prepare Schedule C?
We can complete Schedule C returns on a limited basis, but for complicated returns you must contact a tax professional.

• Does my spouse have to be there if I am filing a joint return?
If you have a valid power of attorney giving you permission to complete tax returns for your spouse, your spouse does not need to be present with you.

• Do you prepare amendments to previous year’s taxes?
Yes. However, we are very busy during the tax season assisting tax payers with current year returns. We ask that any amendments that need to be filed wait until after April 15th

• What do I need to bring when I do amend my taxes?
You need to bring your original return and documentation for any portions of your return that need to be modified.

• I have a specific tax question not addressed here. Where can I go to find the answer?
The best resource is the IRS. They are here to help you. Information can be found at www.irs.gov or obtained by calling the IRS help line at 1-800-829-1040.

• What tax services are NOT provided by VITA?
a.  Income from a Business including Self-Owned Businesses, Partnerships, Day Trading, or Corporations.
b.  Certain Capital Gain/Loss Issues, including:
 (1) Sale of any asset other than stock, mutual funds, or a personal residence.
(2) Determination of basis issues pertaining to: stock acquired other than by purchase or inheritance (such as a gift or employee stock option plan); inherited property other than Fair Market Value (FMV) of the property on the date of the decedent's death; property acquired from a decedent who died in 2010; and, property received as a gift.
(3) Like-kind exchanges, wash sales, and worthless securities.
(4) Form 1099-B issues pertaining to the boxes on: wash sales; Bartering: Profit or loss realized on closed contracts; Unrealized profit or loss on open contracts-prior or current year; or Aggregate profit or loss on contracts.
(5) Reduced exclusion computations/determinations in the sale of a home (i.e. due to home used for business Purposes or as a rental property).
(6) Deductible casualty losses and gains a taxpayer postponed from the sale of a previous home before May 7, 1997.

c. Schedule K-1 issues: Taxpayers who require use of Schedule K-1 for any reason other than simple interest income.
d.  Schedule C forms resulting in net losses.

**The above list may be adjusted depending on any updated guidance from the IRS.