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VITA

 

Fernley High School VITA Tax Assistance Site

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Fernley High School (FHS) is an IRS-sponsored initiative that provides free, high-quality income tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families in the Fernley community.

Tax returns are prepared by IRS-certified student tax preparers, supervised and supported through established IRS quality standards. Every return completed at the FHS VITA site undergoes a mandatory quality review before filing to ensure accuracy and compliance with current tax law.

This program is offered in partnership with community organizations, strengthening local support while expanding access to essential financial services.

 

Who Qualifies for VITA Services?

VITA services are available to taxpayers who generally need assistance with basic tax returns, including:

  • Individuals or households earning $67,000 or less annually
  • Seniors (age 60 and older)
  • Persons with disabilities

 

Services Provided

At the FHS VITA site, IRS-certified student volunteers assist with basic federal tax returns (Form 1040) and help eligible taxpayers claim valuable credits, including:

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Other applicable deductions and credits
     

All services are provided free of charge, and each return is reviewed for accuracy before submission.

 

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To ensure timely and accurate service, please bring the following items:

  • Valid government-issued photo identification
  • Social Security cards or ITIN assignment letters for yourself, your spouse, and all dependents
  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC) from all employers
  • Social Security Benefit Statements (SSA-1099), if applicable
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check (must have your pre-printed information provided)
  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number, such as their SSN or business EIN
  • Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
  • Forms 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
  • To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

 

Program Impact

VITA programs make a meaningful difference nationwide and locally:

  • 9 million Americans receive free tax assistance each year
  • Volunteers help taxpayers claim approximately $1.9 billion in refunds annually nationwide
  • $50 million in tax refunds are secured each year by VITA volunteers in Nevada
  • Students participating in VITA report a 25% increase in confidence when handling financial matters
     

 

Location, Schedule & Appointments

FHS VITA Tax Site Hours
  • Tuesday – Thursday @ Fernley High School Library 
  • 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Feb 3, 2026  through April 15, 2026
  • Closed during Spring Break April 6 - 10, 2026
  • By appointment only
     

Appointments

Appointments are scheduled through the Fernley Senior Center: 775-575-3370

 

Quality & Certification

All tax preparation at the FHS VITA site is completed by IRS-certified tax law preparers who have successfully completed IRS training and certification exams. This ensures services are delivered with professionalism, confidentiality, and adherence to IRS standards.