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Income Tax Help

The earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition provides free federal and state tax preparation for eligible Cuyahoga County residents. 

3/16/2020: VITA FREE TAX PREP SERVICE IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY SUSPENDED:

A message from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Coalition: Things are evolving quickly and based upon current events and mandates from the Governor of Ohio and Mayor of Cleveland, we’ve made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the VITA program effective immediately and resume operations as soon as it is deemed safe and responsible. 

 This was not a decision made lightly, but made with support from site coordinators, volunteers, and stakeholders alike.  Because we are required to follow certain IRS procedures when completing a tax return, it is not possible to do that in a way that does not require direct client contact and therefore believe that the only alternative is to put a temporary hold on providing free tax preparation. We are encouraging those that can, to use the free online tax preparation software – myfreetaxes.com

These sites can file for a variety of tax credits; returns are prepared by volunteers who are IRS trained and certified. Starting December 18th, 2019, you can make an appointment online: www.refundohio.org  or phone 2-1-1 (you will be given a series of prompts to help you find a site that meets your needs).

Basic Eligibility for EITC Coalition tax sites

Income at approximately $60,000 or less. Cannot file for the following: rental income, foreclosures, business losses, or for any small business issuing 1099 to their employees

Other free tax preparation assistance

The AARP also provides free federal and state tax preparation assistance by IRS trained volunteers. Call the AARP Tax Aid Line to find the nearest location:  888-227-7669 or use their website www.aarp.org/taxaide

Already filed and need to check on the status of your refund? 

Call the IRS Refund Hotline: 800-829-1954 or check online:  www.irs.gov/refund

Other Helpful IRS Contacts

For general information about federal taxes and forms, call the IRS Customer Service Line: 800-829-1040. The IRS website also has forms and information on a variety of tax topics:  www.irs.gov

 For help with specific issues at the IRS:

State Income Taxes

Contact The Ohio Department of Taxation

  • General Info: 800-282-1782
  • State Income Tax Return Status: 216-282-1784
  • Many issues can be addressed through their website: www.tax.ohio.gov

Local Taxes

Most likely, one of the following two agencies handles local tax services for your city. You can call them or see their website for information:

  • Regional Income Tax agency (RITA): (800) 860-7482 www.ritaohio.com
  • City of Cleveland Central Collection agency (CCA): 800-223-6317 www.ccatax.ci.cleveland.oh.us
  • If your local taxes are not administered by one of the agencies listed above, contact the city you live in.

Most free tax services require you to bring your Social Security card. If you need to replace your card, contact the Social Security Administration

Are you ineligible for free tax preparation and need to find a professional service?

Other Cleveland Area Tax Sites

Some sites will provide free federal and state tax preparation assistance - but will need to contacted directly (or they may offer walk-in service). Information on these sites will be posted as the tax season progresses.

When going to a free tax preparation site, make sure to bring:

  • Government issued photo ID
  • Social security or ITIN cards for each person on the tax return
  • All income documents such as W2's, 1099's, etc.
  • Bank account and routing number if using direct deposit to receive tax refund
  • Child care provider information
  • Last year's tax return if possible