IRS Partner Program

VITA Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free, confidential tax preparation for qualifying individuals and families across South Mississippi. In partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, all returns are prepared by IRS certified volunteers trained to meet federal quality and confidentiality standards. Free e-file and direct deposit are included so you get your refund back fast.

Free & Confidential IRS Certified 4 Locations Free E-File & Direct Deposit

Seasonal Availability

VITA services are available during the annual tax filing season, typically January through April. Contact your nearest CASOMS office for current scheduling and availability.

Call (228) 769-3292 Find a Location

VITA tax assistance volunteer helping a community member prepare tax documents at Community Action of South Mississippi

Who Qualifies

VITA services are generally available to the following groups. Eligibility is determined based on IRS program guidelines and volunteer availability at your location.

Low to Moderate Income

Individuals and families meeting IRS income thresholds for free tax preparation assistance.

Seniors

Older adults who need help navigating tax forms, deductions, and retirement income reporting.

Individuals with Disabilities

People with disabilities who may face barriers accessing traditional tax preparation services.

Limited English Proficiency

Taxpayers who need assistance preparing and filing returns in their preferred language.

There is no fee for VITA services. All tax preparation, e-filing, and direct deposit setup are provided at no cost by trained, IRS certified volunteers.

How It Works

Getting your taxes prepared through VITA is simple. Follow these three steps to get started.

Check Your Eligibility

Review the qualifying categories above. If you fall into any of these groups, you are likely eligible for free VITA tax preparation services.

Gather Your Documents

Collect your photo ID, Social Security cards, W-2s, 1099s, and other income documents before your appointment. A full checklist is provided below.

Visit a VITA Location

Contact your nearest location to schedule an appointment during the tax filing season, typically January through April.

What to Bring

To complete your tax return, please bring the following documents to your appointment. Having everything ready helps our volunteers prepare your return quickly and accurately.

Photo ID

A valid, government issued photo ID for yourself and your spouse if filing jointly.

Social Security Cards

Social Security cards for yourself, your spouse, and all dependents being claimed on the return.

Income Documents

All W-2s, 1098s, 1099s, and any other documentation showing income received during the tax year.

Bank Account Information

Your bank routing number and account number for direct deposit of your refund.

Childcare and Education Expenses

Child or dependent care tax statements if applicable. Student loan interest or college tuition expenses paid during the year.

Non-Custodial Parent Documentation

If you are a non-custodial parent claiming a child, bring IRS Form 8332 signed by the custodial parent.

Additional Tax Credit Documentation

Bring any additional documentation needed to claim possible tax credits such as the Earned Income Credit (EIC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), or retirement savings credits. Your VITA volunteer will let you know if anything else is needed.

VITA Locations & Hours

VITA tax preparation is available at four locations across South Mississippi during the tax filing season. Contact the location nearest you to schedule an appointment.

Community Action of S. MS

Moss Point, Jackson County

5343 Jefferson Street, Moss Point, MS 39562

Monday through Thursday, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Saturdays, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

(228) 769-3292

Community Action of S. MS

Gulfport, Harrison County

500 24th Street, Gulfport, MS 39507

Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

(228) 896-1409

Mercy Housing & Human Dev.

Gulfport, Harrison County

1135 Ford Street, Gulfport, MS 39507

Contact for current schedule and availability

(228) 896-1945

Community Action of S. MS

Lucedale, George County

11 Holmes Street, Lucedale, MS 39452

Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

(601) 770-1340

VITA locations and hours are seasonal and may change from year to year. Please call ahead to confirm availability and schedule your appointment before visiting.

Need Help Filing Your Taxes?

VITA volunteers are ready to help you file your taxes for free. Contact us during the tax season to schedule your appointment at any of our four locations.

Explore All Programs Contact Us

Or call us directly at (228) 769-3292

Volunteer with us

Become a VITA Volunteer

Every year, trained volunteers help their neighbors across South Mississippi file taxes for free through the VITA program. You do not need an accounting background to help. The IRS gives you everything you need to learn, and it is all free.

Before filing season opens, every volunteer takes a short set of online courses and passes the matching certification tests. The recordings and live workshops below walk you through each one, so you can get certified early and feel ready when the first taxpayer sits down with you.

The certifications you will complete

There are three areas of training. What you complete depends on the role you choose.

Volunteer Standards of Conduct

Every volunteer takes this ethics course and test. It covers how we keep taxpayers and their personal information safe.

Intake, Interview and Quality Review

Learn how to welcome each taxpayer, gather the right documents, and double check every return before it is filed.

Link & Learn Taxes and TaxSlayer

Volunteers who prepare returns certify at the Basic or Advanced level and practice in the TaxSlayer software before working with real taxpayers.

Every course and test is free and completed online through the IRS.

Watch the recorded trainings

Recordings you can watch anytime. Start here if you would rather move at your own pace.

Recorded session

Volunteer Standards of Conduct

The ethics training every VITA volunteer needs before the season begins.

Watch this recording

Recorded session

Link & Learn Taxes and TaxSlayer Software Practice Lab

A walkthrough of the tax law training and the TaxSlayer practice software.

Watch this recording

2026 summer live workshop schedule

Join a live session on Microsoft Teams and ask questions in real time. Times are shown in Eastern time, with your local Central time in parentheses.

Workshop 1: Volunteer Standards of Conduct

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM CT)

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM CT)

Workshop 2: Link & Learn Taxes and TaxSlayer Software Practice Lab

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM CT)

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM CT)

Workshop 3: Intake & Interview

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM CT)

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM CT)

Ready to get started?

Have questions about volunteering with the CASOMS VITA program? We would love to hear from you.

Lee Ann Kendrick, Director of Adult Services
Phone: (228) 769-3292
Email: lkendrick@casoms.org