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About Us
The Goodwill NCW Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program started in 2004 serving a few hundred taxpayers. Today the program serves more than 1,500 taxpayers. Since its inception, this partnership between Goodwill NCW and the IRS has trained hundreds of volunteers (students, professionals and community members) who’ve helped thousands of low-to-moderate income, disabled or limited English-speaking individuals receive millions of dollars in tax refunds.
All of our volunteers complete required training certifications in order to prepare tax returns. Many taxpayers return to our site year after year because of the integrity and training of our volunteers, as well as the level of care they receive. According to the IRS,
“VITA services are not only free, they are a reliable and trusted source for tax preparation. All volunteers must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of tax laws, the IRS requires a quality check for every return prepared at the VITA site.” Read more…
You can help area individuals and households avoid costly tax practices and increase their financial stability by providing valuable free tax assistance. See our volunteer opportunities.
VITA FAQ
VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, we partner with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We provide free tax help to people with low-to-moderate incomes, generally less than $66,000, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
We currently are an appointment only site and do not accept walk-ins. You can schedule your own Valet VITA drop-off appointment. If you need assistance, please call (920) 968-6044.
Valet VITA is a service designed to save taxpayers time. Instead of waiting at a VITA site to meet with a tax preparer, taxpayers can use Valet VITA to have their documents scanned to be prepared within one to two weeks. Taxpayers are then able to leave the VITA site, documents in hand, and go about their day. Once the tax return is complete, the taxpayers are called to return to the original intake site to pick up a hard copy of their tax return and sign the consent to e-file.
Most Valet VITA tax returns are processed within 5-7 business days.
You can schedule your own Valet VITA drop-off appointment. If you need assistance, please call (920) 968-6044.
In-person Valet VITA appointments may fill up quickly. If you are unable to schedule an in-person appointment, you can consider using the 100% virtual Get Your Refund option or the DIY free software at www.myfreetaxes.com.
No. This is a free service, thanks to Goodwill NCW, the IRS and our dedicated volunteers.
We are located inside the Goodwill Retail Store and Training Center at 1800 Appleton Road, Menasha, WI 54952. Please see dates and location for more information, we are currently an appointment only site for in-person services through Valet VITA.
Please see what to bring.
Federal refunds are generally issued within 21 days after the return is received. For the status of your federal refund, visit irs.gov/refunds or call 800-829-1954. You will need your Social Security number, filing status and refund amount.
State of Wisconsin refunds, if directly deposited, are generally issued in less than three weeks. For the status of your state of Wisconsin refund, visit https://www.revenue.wi.gov/pages/apps/taxreturnstatus.aspx or call 866-947-7363. You will need your Social Security number and the refund amount.
Volunteers who have been certified by the IRS. Anyone can volunteer!
Volunteers are required to take an IRS-approved exam.