The Johnson County Social Services Department will provide free tax preparation services for qualifying low- to moderate-income residents through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program from Jan. 31 through April 8.
The program offers two service tiers. Taxpayers with 2025 income of $69,000 or less can have their returns completed and filed by IRS-certified tax preparers at no cost through scheduled appointments. Those with adjusted gross income under $89,000 in 2025 can access free software to prepare and file their own taxes with support from trained volunteers.
The IRS estimates 20% of American workers do not claim refundable tax credits for which they are eligible, including the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is available to workers with annual household income below $69,000. Qualifying workers who file federal tax returns may be eligible for a portion or all of the federal income tax withheld during the year, and may receive additional cash back from the IRS. Workers whose earnings were too small to owe income tax may also qualify.
IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers help ensure eligible taxpayers claim the EITC and other qualifying tax credits to maximize potential refunds.
The program provides electronic filing for faster refunds. No fees are charged for tax preparation or refund processing.
Translation services are available by calling Johnson County Social Services at 319-356-6090 in advance. More information and appointment scheduling is available at www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/vita.
VITA is a partnership among Johnson County Social Services, the Iowa City Public Library and the Iowa Center for Economic Success, with sponsorship from GreenState Credit Union.
