If your income is below $69,000, you may be 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
• Retirement Income
• 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:

• Self-employment income (Schedule C with a loss or business expenses)
• 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:

• A valid photo ID
• Social Security cards or ITIN documentation for you, your spouse, and any dependents
• All wage and income statements, including:
• Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-MISC, and 1099-R
• Interest and dividend statements from banks or financial institutions (Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV)
• Social Security benefit statements (SSA-1099), if applicable
• Marketplace Health Insurance statements (Form 1095-A), if applicable
• Proof of childcare expenses, if applicable
• A copy of your prior year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
• Your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), if issued by the IRS
• Proof of bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit (such as a voided or blank check)
• 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. 

es, VITA volunteers can prepare tax returns going back to 2020. 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 12, 2026, by calling 918-453-5536 and press 1 for VITA. Walk-ins are only welcome at our Tahlequah site. 

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

The IRS has online resources for taxpayers to file federal income tax returns using guided tax preparation software. It’s secure, easy and no cost to you. Please visit: IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free | Internal Revenue Service 

 The VITA program requires all taxpayers filing a return to present the actual Social Security Card or a copy of the Social Security card to file a tax return. Social security cards for everyone on the return must be presented, otherwise, services cannot be rendered. If you have lost your social security 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 2-4 weeks after the IRS accepts your return. Refunds by mailed check will take longer. 

If you owe taxes, payment is due by April 15, 2026, 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 at Site Locator or call your local VITA site directly for more information. You can also download the VITA flyer below to view all Cherokee Nation VITA sites. 

If you are going to be late or need to reschedule your tax appointment, please call us at 918-453-5536 and press 1 for VITA. A scheduling assistant would be happy to assist you.  

Yes. We encourage clients to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time to complete the intake paperwork. You may also download the forms from this page and complete the intake sheet in advance before your appointment. 

We encourage you to keep calling. The Commerce Department is handling all calls as quickly as possible, but during tax season the lines do get congested. We apologize for any inconvenience but look forward to serving you.