VITA Northwest Florida

10/10/2026

Quick question: when's the last time you checked your paycheck withholding?

The IRS just updated its free Tax Withholding Estimator to reflect new tax law changes, including no tax on tips and overtime. A quick check now can save you a surprise bill later: IRS.gov/withholding

Want to help your neighbors understand tips like this all tax season? Become a VITA volunteer at the link in the comments.

10/08/2026

Right now, families in our community are missing out on money they've already earned.

Many working families don't claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit because they can't afford a paid preparer or don't know where to start.

VITA volunteers change that, for free, for households earning under $70,000.

Every volunteer we add means more families we can serve. Will you be one? Register at the link in the comments.

10/06/2026

Hate math? Perfect. We have a job for you.

VITA Greeters are the first face families see when they walk in. You welcome them, help them get their paperwork in order, and turn a stressful day into a manageable one. No tax training is required, just a friendly smile and a few hours of your time.

Sign up to be a Greeter: link in the comments.

10/01/2026

You don't have to be good at taxes to be great at this.

Most VITA volunteers started with zero tax experience. We provide free online and classroom training to get you IRS certified, and then you'll put that skill to work helping neighbors keep more of their hard-earned money.

It's a new skill for you and a real difference for them. Join the team: link in the comments.

09/29/2026

Over $3 million.

That's how much VITA volunteers brought back to families in our community last tax season.

It happened because neighbors gave a few hours a week to prepare taxes for free for working families in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties. That money went to rent, groceries, and car repairs, the things that keep a household afloat.

We're building our volunteer team for the 2027 tax season, and we need you.

Sign up today:

For many in our communities, taxes can feel like a burden. VITA volunteers work to help lift that burden by offering low income families free tax preparation. Tax refunds give these families a springboard for the future by putting their hard-earned money back into their pockets. It's a simple way to...

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.