VITA Northwest Florida

03/03/2026

New in 2026: the Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per qualifying child (up from $2,000), with a refundable portion of $1,700 for lower-income families. Don’t forget, each child claimed must have a Social Security number.

Tax changes can be a lot to keep up with, but VITA is here to help.

If your family makes less than $70,000 per year and you live in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, or Washington counties, you’re eligible to have your taxes prepared by our experts free of charge.

02/28/2026

Tax season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

If you make less than $70,000 a year, our tax preparers can assist you for FREE.

📍 Panama City
A.D. Harris Learning Village | Walk-in site
Tues–Thurs & Saturdays | Jan 27–Apr 15 | 9am–2pm

📍 Port St. Joe
Gulf County Senior Center | By appointment
Mon & Thurs | Feb 2–Apr 13 | 1pm–7pm

📍 Wewahitchka
Wewahitchka Library | By appointment
Tuesdays & Fridays | Feb 3–Apr 14 | 10am–4pm

📍 Marianna
C.H.R.O.M.E. Ministries | By appointment
Fridays | Feb 6–Apr 10 | 9am–3pm

📍 Chipley
Washington County Council on Aging | By appointment
Tuesdays | Feb 3–Apr 14 | 9am–2pm

02/24/2026

New in 2026: workers can deduct up to $12,500 of overtime pay, or $25,000 for joint filers!

This new deduction begins to phase out at higher incomes and comes with several technical rules, so it’s important to get expert guidance when you file.

Tax changes can be a lot to keep up with, but VITA is here to help.

If your family makes less than $70,000 per year and you live in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, or Washington counties, you’re eligible to have your taxes prepared by our experts free of charge.

02/17/2026

New in 2026: the IRS will no longer send paper refund checks.

To receive your refund, you’ll need to provide your bank account, credit union, or debit card information for direct deposit. Without it, your refund could be delayed while the IRS contacts you for more details.

Tax changes can be a lot to keep up with, but VITA is here to help.

If your family makes less than $70,000 per year and you live in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, or Washington counties, you’re eligible to have your taxes prepared by our experts free of charge.

02/10/2026

New in 2026: workers in tip-based jobs can deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips.

This new deduction applies to both employees and self-employed individuals, as long as income is below certain limits. When you come to file, be sure to bring your last pay statement- it helps show your year-to-date tips and income.

Tax changes can be a lot to keep up with, but VITA is here to help.

If your family makes less than $70,000 per year and you live in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, or Washington counties, you’re eligible to have your taxes prepared by our experts free of charge.

02/04/2026

What to know: If you purchase a new car, minivan, SUV, pickup truck, or motorcycle after 2024, you may be able to deduct up to $10,000 in auto loan interest.

The vehicle must be finally assembled in the U.S.

The deduction begins to phase out for incomes over $200,000 (joint filers) or $100,000 (single filers).

Tax changes can be a lot to keep up with, but VITA is here to help.

If your family makes less than $70,000 per year and you live in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, or Washington counties, you’re eligible to have your taxes prepared by our experts free of charge.

02/03/2026

Thank you for the coverage, WJHG-TV.

Curious about our program? Click here to learn more.

President & CEO of United Way of Northwest Florida Gina Littleton joins Newschannel 7 in studio to discuss how to prepare for tax season with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

01/28/2026

Tax season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
If you make less than $70,000 a year, our tax preparers can assist you for FREE.

📍 Panama City
A.D. Harris Learning Village | Walk-in site
Tues–Thurs & Saturdays | Jan 27–Apr 15 | 9am–2pm

📍 Port St. Joe
Gulf County Senior Center | By appointment
Mon & Thurs | Feb 2–Apr 13 | 1pm–7pm

📍 Wewahitchka
Wewahitchka Library | By appointment
Tuesdays & Fridays | Feb 3–Apr 14 | 10am–4pm

📍 Marianna
C.H.R.O.M.E. Ministries | By appointment
Fridays | Feb 6–Apr 10 | 9am–3pm

📍 Chipley
Washington County Council on Aging | By appointment
Tuesdays | Feb 3–Apr 14 | 9am–2pm

Need an appointment?
Schedule yours here: https://www.unitedwaynwfl.org/vita