Free Tax Preparation Service for Warren, Washington & Northern Saratoga Counties

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a national program sponsored by the IRS to provide free tax preparation for qualified residents.  Locally, Tri-County United Way, Cornell Cooperation Extension — Washington County  and the  Moreau Community Center  have partnered to create a network of VITA volunteers who serve residents of Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga counties.

The Tri-County United Way VITA team has also received national recognition for its exceptional volunteer leadership and service.

Recent honors include:

  • 2026 – 50 Years of VITA Service Award presented to Phil Cote
  • 2026 – Outstanding Effort, Dedication and Contribution Award presented to Joan Prouty
  • 2025 – Champion of Training Award
  • 2024 – Hall of Fame Team Award

Each year, volunteers complete extensive IRS training and certification before preparing returns. Their work emphasizes accuracy, confidentiality and ensuring taxpayers receive every eligible credit and deduction.

If you are interested in volunteering with VITA and attending our training sessions, please contact our office at (518) 793-3136 ext. 102.

About Vita

Families and Individuals with an income of $71,000 or less are eligible to have their federal and state income taxes prepared by one of our IRS-certified volunteers for free. Our volunteers are not qualified to complete returns for those with rental income, self-employed income, active military income, stock sales and farm income.

Your taxes will be prepared by a local VITA volunteer.  All volunteers go through a comprehensive training program and are certified by the IRS to prepare VITA returns. Each VITA volunteer has been trained to assure that your taxes are prepared accurately, guaranteeing you receive all the credits to which you are entitled. When completed, all returns are submitted electronically for faster refunds. VITA returns are processed using a secured software program provided directly from the IRS. Additionally, your VITA information is always considered confidential.

If you or someone you know whose household income is less than $71,000, they may qualify for our free tax preparation services. Call 1-800-211-5128 to find out more and schedule an appointment today. Our phone lines open in early January for appointments. For a list of items you’ll need for your appointment and to learn more, CLICK HERE.

 

How VITA Supports Our Communities

  • Tri-County United Way VITA program has served Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga counties for over 20 years.
  • In 2026, 33 tax preparers and 13 appointment takers scheduled 2632 appointments between January 5 and April 13.
  • More than 2,200 tax returns were prepared, generating 3.8 million in Federal and State refunds.
  • The program saved local taxpayers over $859,000 in tax preparation fees.

Join our Network of Volunteers

VITA couldn’t exist without the help of our volunteers. Each year we rely on local residents who volunteer as tax preparers at multiple VITA sites throughout Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga counties.

We’re always looking for individuals who would like to help prepare tax returns, answer the phones and make appointments and be greeters. Our volunteers come from all types of backgrounds and professions.  Don’t think you have to be an accountant to be a successful volunteer.  Our training program and easy-to-use software will prepare you to successfully help others prepare their taxes. Our volunteers are offered a no-cost, comprehensive training program that consists of in-class instruction and self-paced study.  This training will prepare you to take the IRS certification test.

Join Our Network of Volunteers

Connect with Laura Jensen, Director of Community Engagement, contact us or call (518) 793-3136.

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