If your income is below $67,000, you are eligible to have your taxes filed for free through the Cherokee Nation VITA Tax Program!

VITA volunteers can assist with basic federal and state income tax returns, including the following:

• W-2 and 1099 forms
• Child tax credits
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Education credits
• Standard deductions and basic itemized deductions

VITA volunteers can assist with most basic tax returns, but they are not able to help with:

• Some Self-employment income (Schedule C with cost of goods sold (inventory), digital assets, contract labor, expenses for employees, business use of home, net losses)
• Rental property income
• Farm income
• Capital gains/losses from stocks or the sale of property Complex tax situations, such as international tax issues or estates Certain tax credits, such as the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

Please bring the following documents:

• Photo identification for yourself, and for your spouse/children if filing jointly
• Social Security card or ITIN for yourself and each family member on your taxes
• Completed intake and interview sheet. If you are unable to pre-complete this form, please arrive to your appointment at least 15 minutes early to complete the paperwork.
• W-2 forms from all of your jobs
• 1099 or 1098 forms for any other income
• Proof of any other income (unemployment, retirement benefits)
• Child care provider and expense information (name, address, and tax ID)
• A voided check for direct deposit
• Last year’s tax return, if available
• Any other relevant information about your income and expenses

If you don’t bring all the necessary documents to your tax appointment, you’ll need to reschedule. We cannot file your tax return without complete income information, such as W-2s, 1099s, and other relevant income statements. It’s important to bring all required documents as we are unable to retrieve them for you. Be sure to gather everything needed before your next appointment to avoid delays.

Yes, VITA volunteers can prepare tax returns going back to 2019. If you need more than one year of taxes filed, please schedule separate appointments for each year.

Yes, you must make an appointment! Scheduling helps you avoid long wait times. You can begin making appointments starting January 13, 2025, by calling 918-453-5536. Walk-ins are only welcome at our Tahlequah site.

Yes! The Cherokee Nation VITA program is open to all low income individuals and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age.

If your income is below $72,000, you can file your taxes online for free at https://www.MyFreeTaxes.com.

You’ll need a valid Social Security Number or ITIN to file your taxes. If you have an SSN but lost your card, visit the Social Security Administration’s website (http://www.ssa.gov) to find out how to get a replacement card. If you’re not eligible for an SSN, you should apply for an ITIN.

VITA volunteers are trained in tax law and certified by the IRS! They’re here to help you and ensure you get all the refunds and credits you qualify for.

Yes, it’s really free!

If you choose direct deposit, you will likely receive your refund in about 2 weeks after the IRS accepts your return. Refunds by mailed check will take longer.

If you owe taxes, payment is due by April 15, 2025, to avoid extra fees. Even if you can’t pay the full amount, it’s important to file your return before this deadline to avoid a late filing penalty.

To find VITA sites in your area, you can visit the IRS VITA locator tool on their website or call your local VITA site directly for more information. You can also download the VITA flyer below to view all of Cherokee Nation VITA sites.