Salina Area United Way Announces 2026 VITA Program: Free Tax Preparation Services for Local Families
Salina, KS —The Salina Area United Way is pleased to announce the return of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2026 tax season, offering free, IRS-certified tax preparation assistance to qualifying individuals and families in the Salina area. The VITA program is part of Salina Area United Way’s ongoing efforts to strengthen financial security and support local households by helping community members keep more of what they earn.
VITA intake will run from February 2 through April 8, 2026, at The McKenzie Center (308 W Elm St., Salina, KS). Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and no appointments are made by phone — clients must come in person during intake hours.
“Tax season can be stressful, and our goal with VITA is to ease that burden for those who qualify,” said Christina Small, Executive Director, Salina Area United Way. “Our IRS-certified volunteers provide reliable, free assistance so local families can receive the refunds and credits they are eligible for — dollars that stay in the community.” 
Last Year’s Impact Our Community
During the 2025 tax season, the VITA program made a meaningful impact in the community:
- Around 830 tax returns were prepared for local individuals and families — all at no cost.
- Brought in over $1 million in returns to our community (EITC & CTC)
- The program was powered by 34 IRS-certified volunteers, including 25 students from Kansas Wesleyan University and nine recurring community volunteers, who together contributed around 1,488 volunteer hours.
These services help hardworking households avoid costly tax preparation fees and maximize credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, putting money back into local rent, groceries, utilities, childcare, and savings.
2026 VITA Program Details
Program Dates:
- February 2 – April 8, 2026
Location:
- The McKenzie Center, 308 W Elm St., Salina, KS
Intake Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Important Notes:
- No appointments are made by phone — intake is in person only.
- Intake is first-come, first-served.
- Clients should bring a photo ID, Social Security cards, income documents (W-2s, 1099s), bank information for direct deposit, and last year’s tax return.
Program Support & Community Partnership
Salina Area United Way extends sincere thanks to the Greater Salina Community Foundation for awarding a grant to support the VITA program. This investment helps ensure the continuation of free, reliable tax assistance for local families and strengthens United Way’s ability to promote financial stability across the community.
About VITA and Salina Area United Way
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a national initiative supported by the IRS and delivered locally by Salina Area United Way. It provides free tax help to individuals and families who qualify based on income and IRS guidelines. Trained, IRS-certified volunteers assist with preparing and electronically filing federal and state income tax returns, ensuring accurate filing and access to eligible tax credits.
Salina Area United Way works to strengthen North Central Kansas by uniting people and resources to build resilient, thriving communities. The VITA program exemplifies United Way’s mission by helping neighbors build financial confidence and resilience.
For more information, to volunteer, or to support the VITA program:
Visit unitedwaysalina.org/vita or call (785) 827-1312.
