VITA Sites provide "free" tax preparation options

An average of 56 percent of households across Northwest Louisiana are struggling to make ends meet. In response, United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA), in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), promotes the annual free tax preparation options available to the public. These programs, sponsored in part by Capital One, help relieve the financial burden of tax preparation fees for thousands of local households.

Now through April 15, seven local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites will be open to the public. The VITA program offers free tax help to people who generally make $64,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance preparing their tax returns. Volunteer tax preparers are IRS-certified and have extensive hours of training. They are trained to do simple returns with W-2 and 1099 forms (no itemized or business taxes). Partner VITA locations include churches, community centers, independent living facilities, and more. These sites are available in Bossier City, Minden, and Shreveport.

During the 2023 tax season, 3,997 returns were prepared, and taxpayers saved more than $1.09M in preparation fees. These free tax preparation programs issued taxpayers more than $4.63M of federal refunds through all VITA sites, including Barksdale Air Force Base, Flexible Spending Account, and the American Association of Retired Persons.

If qualifying residents prefer to file their own taxes, they can also use MyFreeTaxes.com . MyFreeTaxes.com is a safe, easy, and free way for taxpayers to file federal and state taxes.

The following locations will operate as VITA sites during the 2024 tax season. Most sites are by appointment only, so please call ahead for hours of operation and to set up an appointment.

2024 VITA LOCATIONS

Barksdale Air Force Base - MILITARY

(Priority for Active Duty)

2nd Bomb Wing Tax Center, Barksdale AFB 71110

318-456-4765

Appointment Only

Caddo Community Action Agency – David Raines

1625 David Raines Road, Shreveport, LA 71107

318-425-2401

Appointment Only

Caddo Community Action Agency – St. Vincent

4055 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71108

318-861-4808

Appointment Only

Creighton Hill VITA Site

510 High Street, Minden, LA 71055

318-949-5768

Appointment Only

Highland Center Ministries VITA Site

520 Olive Street, Shreveport, LA 71104

318-673-8440

Open: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday

10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church VITA Site

Operated by: Sadies Arms, Inc.

5340 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71109

318-426-7382

Appointment Only

New Horizons Independent Living Center

1701 North Market, Shreveport, LA 71107

318-671-8131

Appointment Only