The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will again be available for East Valley residents starting February 2023. Income should be less than $60,000 to qualify for this service. Information for locations providing this service is available by using www.mesaunitedway.org/VITA on a computer browser. Some locations are walk-in, and some require appointments. The specifics are on the web site.

The Sun Lakes site requires appointments, which can be made by visiting in person the Administrative Services counter at the Sun Lakes Country Club located at 25601 N. Sun Lakes Blvd., south of Riggs Road. Appointment times will be 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon on most Fridays. Preparation will be at 25105 S. Alma School Road (northeast corner at Riggs Road).

Both federal and state returns are filed electronically, and both spouses must be present to sign their return if they are married filing jointly. We do not prepare returns that include house/home rentals, married filing separate, losses on businesses, or nondeductible IRAs.

Bring the following when you come to the appointment: picture ID, form SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit Statement (or Social Security card), proof of all incomes such as 1099-R retirement forms, W-2 forms, interest and dividend 1099 forms, self-employment records, etc. Also bring your prior year tax returns for federal and state. If you want a direct deposit to your bank of any refund, bring a blank check.