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Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Taxpayer
Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) (En Español)

  1. What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program?
  2. What is the Taxpayer Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program?
  3. Who can obtain assistance at a VITA site?
  4. Who can obtain assistance at a VITA/TCE site?
  5. What income tax forms will a VITA site prepare?
  6. Where are VITA/TCE sites located?
  7. What should I bring to the VITA/TCE site?
  8. Are there Wisconsin Department of Revenue state sponsored sites?
  1. What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program?

    The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a cooperative effort by the Internal Revenue Service and many individual states, including Wisconsin, to provide income tax assistance to low-income individuals, handicapped or elderly. Volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at VITA sites. Some VITA sites offer free IRS electronic filing of tax returns.

  2. What is the Taxpayer Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program?

    The Taxpayer Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax information and help in preparing federal and Wisconsin income tax returns for elderly, low-income and handicapped individuals. This program is supported by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation. AARP's Tax-Aide volunteers are trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at TCE/Tax-Aide sites. Some of these sites offer free IRS electronic filing of tax returns.

  3. Who can obtain assistance at a VITA site?

    Income tax assistance is available for low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking taxpayers, and the elderly. In addition, the program assists individuals who qualify for homestead credit or the earned income credit. The VITA program is aimed at those for whom paid assistance may be out of reach.

  4. Who can obtain assistance at a TCE site?

    Income tax assistance is available for low-income individuals, the elderly and persons with disabilities. In addition, the program assists individuals who qualify for homestead credit or the earned income credit.

  5. What income tax forms will a VITA/TCE site prepare?

    A VITA/TCE site will prepare the following:

    • 1040EZ
    • 1040A with Schedules 1, 2, 3, and EIC
    • 1040 with Schedules A, B, C-EZ, EIC, and R
    • Form 1040V (Payment Voucher)
    • Form 1040ES (Individual Estimated Tax Payment)
    • Form 2441 (Child and Dependent Care Credit)
    • Form 8863 (Educational Credits)
    • Form 8812 (Additional Child Tax Credit)
    • WI Form 1, 1A and WI-Z
    • WI Homestead Credit (household income must be less than $24,500)

    A VITA/TCE site will not prepare the following:

    • Schedule C (Profit or Loss From a Business)
    • Schedule D (Complicated and Advanced D's)
    • Schedule E (Rental Income)
    • Form SS-5 (Request for a Social Security Number)
    • Form 2106 (Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses)
    • Form 3903 (Moving Expenses)
    • Form 8606 (Nondeductible IRA)
    • Form 8615 (Tax for Children Under 14 with Investment Income)

    Note: Vita will also not prepare returns for married filing separate individuals.

  6. Where are VITA sites located?

    VITA and TCE sites can be found in some community centers, libraries, churches, shopping malls, and retirement homes. Most VITA sites are open from February 1 through April 15. To find the VITA or TCE site closest to you please call:

    • 1-800-829-1040 for VITA site locations,
    • 1-888-227-7669 for TCE site locations, or
    • call "211" for local free tax sites.

  7. What should I bring to the VITA/TCE site?

    Customers are asked to bring their Forms W-2 wage and tax statements, information on other sources of income and any deductions, and Social Security cards for the taxpayer(s) and dependents. Those claiming homestead credit should bring a rent certificate and/or a copy of their 2009 property tax bill, and a record of any Wisconsin Works (W2) payments received in 2009. Both spouses must be present to file a joint return.

  8. Are there Wisconsin Department of Revenue state sponsored sites?

    Yes, see the table below.

    City Location Hours
    La Crosse La Crosse Main Library
    800 Main St.    		 Call (608) 789-7443 for an appointment.
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 1:00-5:00
    Friday 10:00-3:00
    Madison Financial Education Center
    2300 S. Park St.    		 Monday and Wednesday 12:00-6:00
    Saturday 9:00-3:00
    Opens January 25, 2010
    Madison Lussier Education Center
    55 S. Gammon Rd.    		 Tuesday 12:00-5:00
    Opens January 19, 2010
    Menasha Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin
    1800 Appleton Road    		 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:00-6:00
    Saturday 8:00-12:00
    Opens February 1, 2010
    Milwaukee MATC-Downtown
    Room M173
    1015 N. 6th St.
    (Enter at 6th and Highland)    		 Tuesday 5:00-7:00 - First 20 clients
    Saturday 10:00-2:00 - First 40 clients
    Senior citizens served immediately
    Opens January 26, 2010
    Closed April 3 and April 6
    Spooner Indianhead Credit Union
    104 E. Maple St.    		 Call (715) 635-8273 for an appointment.
    Wednesday 10:00-6:00
    Saturday 8:00-12:00
    Stoughton City of Stoughton
    Stoughton Public Safety Building
    321 S. Fourth St.    		 Thursday 12:00-5:00
    Opens January 21, 2010
    VITA listings in the Milwaukee area

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
Customer Service Bureau
P.O. Box 8949
Madison, WI 53708-8949
Phone: (608) 266-2772
Fax: (608) 267-1030
E-Mail Additional Questions

Last updated January 12, 2010