This article was originally published on timesfreepress.com.
The Urban League of Greater Chattanooga is resuming the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that provides free tax assistance for low-income residents.
The program was temporarily suspended in an effort to limit face-to-face interaction amid COVID-19 concerns. Taxpayers are now able to drop off documents at one of two sites to be completed by volunteers and returned to them. Taxpayers must have an appointment, which may be scheduled by phone at (423) 805-2926.
The new process will begin Thursday at the Urban League at 730 M.L. King Boulevard and at the Old National Guard Armory at 107 E. 10th Street with appointments available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. through Tuesday, June 16, 2020.
Through VITA, the Urban League and volunteers are able to assist qualified citizens and help them navigate the process at no charge. Last year, Urban League completed over 15,000 VITA returns for individuals throughout the area, collectively saving the taxpayers more than $5 million.