Appointments available in Ottumwa, Fairfield, and Albia beginning late January / early February
United Way of Wapello County announces that its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will begin accepting online appointment scheduling in mid-January for free tax preparation services available in Ottumwa, Fairfield, and Albia. Tax appointments will begin late
January through early February and continue throughout the tax season. VITA provides completely free tax preparation and electronic filing services for eligible individuals and families, helping ensure households receive the full credits and refunds they are entitled to—without the
cost of commercial tax preparation.
For the upcoming tax season, clients can:
Schedule appointments online
Sign up for email and text appointment reminders
Access information about scheduling, volunteering, and donating in one place
All services and sign-ups are available at wapellocouw.org/vita.
Individuals who prefer to schedule by phone may call 641-682-1264 for assistance.
Community Impact
The VITA program delivers a strong return for both local households and the regional economy. In the past year alone, United Way of Wapello County’s VITA program prepared and filed more than 800 tax returns, resulting in over $1 million returned to the local economy through refunds. For many families, access to free tax preparation is essential. The average cost of a professional tax preparation appointment in Iowa is approximately $220, which can be a significant barrier—particularly for working families, seniors, and individuals living on fixed incomes. These costs may prevent households from filing at all, causing them to miss out on critical tax credits such as the
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit.
By offering free, IRS-certified tax preparation and filing, VITA removes financial barriers, helps families access the credits they are owed, and keeps more dollars circulating in Southeast Iowa communities.
Volunteer Opportunities Available — No Tax Experience Required United Way of Wapello County is also recruiting volunteers to support the VITA program. Volunteers do not need to prepare taxes to make a meaningful impact.
Opportunities include:
Answering phones and scheduling appointments
Greeting clients and managing check-in
Conducting client intakes and collecting paperwork
Providing translation services for clients Scanning, shredding, filing, and general office support
Training and ongoing support are provided. Volunteer sign-ups are available at wapellocouw.org/vita
or by contacting United Way directly.
Support the Program
Community members who wish to support the VITA program financially can donate at wapellocouw.org/donate. A $50 donation helps provide free tax preparation and filing services for three local households.
Get Connected
Whether you want to:
Schedule a tax appointment
Volunteer your time
Make a donation
You can find everything you need at wapellocouw.org or by contacting United Way of Wapello County.
Email: uwwc@wapellocouw.org
Phone: 641-682-1264
