Virtual Tax Preparation on Tuesdays
Thank you for making an appointment to have your 2022 tax return prepared by UMBC VITA in our Virtual process. If you have not made an appointment, please do so by calling 410-234-8008.
In order to use the Virtual preparation process, clients must have an appropriate level of technology available. These include:
- Internet access,
- a device with a camera so the tax preparer can verify photo ID,
- Webex capability either via a browser or app,
- comfortability with virtual meetings, and
- an email address for the taxpayer (and a different email address for spouse, if applicable).
If you do not have these capabilities, please email vita@umbc.edu to be shifted to an in-person appointment.
There are a few types of returns VITA does not file. Please check to see if your tax return is in-scope for VITA:
Types of Returns VITA Does Not File
1. Complete the Virtual Consent Form
The first step in preparing for your appointment is to complete and submit the online Virtual Consent form. This form is required by the IRS and we are not allowed to do anything for your tax preparation until it is signed. By clicking on the Virtual Consent form link, you’ll see a screen for your name and email address. If you will file your return with your spouse, enter the name and a different email for your spouse on this screen. Click submit then check your email. You’ll have an email from DocuSign (and your spouse, if applicable) and you should click on “Review Document” to open the Virtual Consent form. Make sure that you (and spouse, if applicable) receive an email from DocuSign that says you completed the form.
If you will be using the filing status of Married Filing Joint, your spouse must also sign the form via DocuSign. Your spouse MUST have a different email address than you do. If both spouses share one email address on this form, UMBC VITA is unable to prepare your tax return.
If any of the virtual requirements are problematic, please email VITA@UMBC.edu to shift to an in person appointment.
Once you complete your Virtual Consent Form, you’ll be sent instructions to upload your tax document through a secure account. Update information and submit tax documents at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.
2. Submit Your Tax Documents
Use your secure document submission account to upload the following at least 48 hours PRIOR to your appointment. If you do not, your appointment will be rescheduled for the next available date so you have time to upload the required documents.
- A social security card for EACH family member
- A picture ID for the taxpayer (and spouse if filing a joint return)
- W-2 forms for all jobs worked in 2022. UMBC VITA only prepares tax returns for tax year 2022.
- Bank routing and account number to direct deposit your refund. Voided checks work best. Refunds may be placed in more than one account
- Child care provider name, address, and tax ID number
- A copy of last year’s tax return may be needed
- Any document or information about money you have received from the IRS or Maryland
- All 1099 forms for other income, if any
- Any other tax related documents you have received
- Form 1095-A if you received the Premium Tax Credit to help pay health insurance
3. Arrive to Your Appointment, Virtually!
Log into webex at the date/time of your appointment. There is NOT a call in option; you must join the webex meeting via a browser or device application. You will not be reminded or contacted on the date/time of your appointment. Once you are in the webex virtual meeting, you and your volunteer tax preparer will be placed into a private virtual room to discuss and prepare your tax return.
When you join the call, you’ll fill out an informational form called the 13614-C Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet prior to meeting with your tax preparer. The form typically takes 20 minutes to complete, so please arrive early. Failure to complete this form in a timely manner may require us to reschedule your appointment for another day.
The tax preparer will prepare your tax return then a second volunteer will check it (called Quality Review). The tax preparer will walk you through all the information on your return because the accuracy of the tax return is your responsibility. Once you are satisfied with the content, you’ll sign via the secure document account giving permission for the return to be electronically filed with the IRS and Maryland Comptroller.