This year our VITA services are completely remote, as such, you will need to have access to Zoom with a camera or video ability (Zoom.com) and you will also need to upload your tax documents to our secure IRS Tax Client Portal or share your documents via Zoom In order to be eligible for the UMass VITA program. Additionally, please note the following:
- You must have income less than $73,000
- You must have all your tax forms ready (W-2's, interest, tuition statements, health insurance information, etc.)
- You cannot be self-employed, have rental income, or farm income
- You cannot have interest, dividend, or stock sales of more than $10,000
- You will need to show a gov't issued photo ID with your name on it and your Social Security card(s) for everyone on your tax return.
- If you are filing with a spouse, both of you will need to be present during the tax return preparation process.
Also note: we do not prepare prior year returns.
Please answer the following questions before you book an appointment with our US Resident and/or Resident Alien tax preparation services:
1. Are you a US Resident, Green Card holder or Resident Alien for tax purposes? If no, please see our International/Foreign services.
2. Do you have self-employment, rental or farm income? If yes, you do not qualify for our services.
3. Do you have investment income of more than $10,000? If yes, you do not qualify for our services.
DO NOT USE FREE FILE SITES TO FILE YOUR TAX RETURN AS THOSE ARE NOT FOR NONRESIDENT ALIENS
You can watch a 20 minute video explaining the tax filing process and how to access Sprintax. Follow this link.
If you are an international student at UMass, you should refer to the International Programs Office website for useful information about filing your taxes. The International Programs Office website contains information that you will need to file your tax returns. International students should read this webpage before filing their tax returns. If you should have questions specifically related to filing your tax return, VITA will be able to help you.
VITA will NOT be preparing tax returns for the tax year 2022. VITA will be available to answer questions that taxpayers have about their tax return filings. VITA will hold remote Zoom sessions to answer questions that taxpayers have related to their tax filings. Taxpayers can click on the Zoom link to join the waiting room in the Zoom session. The Zoom sessions are first-come, first-serve and reservations are not available. The Zoom session will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 p.m., from February 15 to April 12. VITA will not be open on Tuesday, February 22, or during Spring Break. Taxpayers can also email VITA with questions at: vita@isenberg.umass.edu. We will respond to any question directly through email or ask that you join a Zoom session to answer your question.
NEW for tax year 2022 – Federal Tax Returns will be filed using Sprintax and not GTP. If you are currently a UMass student, the cost to file a Federal tax Return is covered by UMass. You can use your UMass credentials to access Sprintax to file your Federal Tax Return for free. Click here to access Sprintax. This link will also provide you with other important information such as access to training webinars and access to assistance with Sprintax. International students will most likely have to file a state income tax return for the state that they work in. During the process of filing your Federal Tax Return, Sprintax will let you know what states you have a filing requirement in. State tax returns can be filed directly through Sprintax. The cost to file a state tax return using Sprintax is $39.99 per state which will be charged directly by Sprintax. There are some free options to file your Massachusetts tax return (see below). If you worked in more than one state during 2022, VITA will be able to file the state tax returns in the states that you worked in during the year. Email VITA or come to the Zoom session (ideally) to discuss filing options. VITA will NOT file a Massachusetts only tax returns.
If you only have to file a Massachusetts tax return (you worked in MA only) you can prepare your own tax return and paper file the tax return (see mailing addresses for the correct P.O. Box to mail the tax return). Information about filing a Massachusetts tax return can be found here. Taxpayers can also e-file their Massachusetts state tax return only directly on MassTaxConnect (scroll half way down the page) UMass also provides information about state tax filing requirements.
If you do prepare your own Massachusetts tax return, you can use this 2020 MA Form 1 as a guide to help you prepare your 2022 Massachusetts tax return. VITA has downloaded the Massachusetts Forms you will mostly likely need to complete your Massachusetts Tax Return here.
If you are a nonresident alien for tax purposes DO NOT use any of the free e-file options on the Mass.gov website. These options are for domestic and resident alien taxpayers only.
NOTE: It may take 6+ months for nonresident aliens to receive a Federal income tax refund.
