Free, IRS- and State-Funded Tax Help Available Across West Virginia Through VITA
Tax season can be stressful—especially when commercial tax preparation services charge hundreds of dollars to file even simple returns. Fortunately, West Virginians have access to a free, trusted alternative through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, supported statewide by the West Virginia Alliance for Sustainable Families (WVASF).
All VITA services in West Virginia are funded by the IRS and through the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) via the Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA). The program is community-focused, ensuring residents receive reliable tax assistance in accessible, local settings.
January 29 marks Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day, a national effort to raise awareness about one of the most important tax credits for working individuals and families. Millions of eligible taxpayers miss out on the EITC each year, often because they are unaware they qualify or do not file a tax return. VITA sites help ensure eligible filers claim the credits they’ve earned.
VITA provides free tax preparation for eligible individuals and families earning $69,000 or less in 2025. IRS-certified volunteers help prepare accurate returns, identify eligible credits, and reduce errors that can delay refunds or trigger issues with tax filings.
Why Free Tax Help Matters
Retail tax preparation fees continue to rise, often costing several hundred dollars. These expenses can significantly reduce refunds or place financial strain on working families, seniors, and individuals on fixed incomes.
VITA helps eliminate that burden by offering professional, nonprofit-supported tax preparation at no cost, allowing taxpayers to keep more of what they earn.
Navigating Tax Law Changes
Tax laws continue to evolve, and recent changes can be difficult to understand. Topics frequently discussed include:
• No tax on tips
• No tax on overtime pay
• No tax on car loan interest for vehicles manufactured in the United States
Understanding how these changes may—or may not—apply to an individual return can be confusing. WVASF helps connect West Virginians to free assistance so they don’t have to navigate these complexities alone.
“As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to make sure people aren’t paying for help they can get for free,” WVASF representatives shared. “VITA is a trusted, community-based solution.”
Finding Free Help
VITA sites are available throughout West Virginia. Residents can find a nearby location by visiting WVASF.org, which lists available services across the state.
For those comfortable filing on their own, MyFreeTaxes.com offers free online tax filing, operated by the nonprofit United Way, with step-by-step guidance and secure submission.
Whether filing in person or online, VITA services provide West Virginians with safe, accurate, and free options during tax season.