Free Tax Preparation

Schedule your appointment starting January 15

Get the Refunds You’ve Earned — At No Cost

CoAction offers free, trusted tax preparation services through the IRS‑certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Our trained volunteers help individuals and families file accurate tax returns, claim valuable credits, and feel confident about their finances — all at no cost.

Whether you’re working, raising a family, retired, or navigating a fixed income, CoAction is here to help you make the most of tax season.

Who We Serve

Our Free Tax Preparation services are available to individuals and families who:

  • Earn $68,675 or less annually (household income)

  • Are seniors, individuals with disabilities, or limited English speakers

  • Want safe, reliable, and free tax preparation

We proudly serve residents in:

  • Lake County

  • Porter County

  • LaPorte County

  • Jasper County
  • Newton County

  • Pulaski County

  • Starke County

What We Help With

Our IRS‑certified volunteers can assist with:

  • Federal and Indiana state tax returns

  • W‑2 and 1099 income

  • Self‑employment income (basic)

All services are free, confidential, and completed by volunteers trained to IRS standards.

  • Credits such as:

    • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

    • Child Tax Credit

    • Credit for Other Dependents

  • Retirement income (Social Security, pensions)

  • Basic interest and dividend income

Please bring all of the following that apply to you with you to your appointment.

  • A valid driver’s license or State ID for each tax filer.
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse, and any dependents on the tax return.
  • Documentation of Social Security or Individual Taxpayer ID Numbers for you, your spouse, and any dependents.
  • If you are a Marketplace Health Insurance participant, bring your 1095-A.
  • Please bring A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.
  • Please bring a blank voided check to set up Direct Deposit
  • If you pay for childcare, please bring the total paid for childcare and the childcare provider’s tax ID number.
  • If you wish to claim a homebuyer’s credit, please bring a copy of your settlement statement.
  • If you are a renter, please bring a record of your rent payments, your landlord’s name, and your landlord’s address.
  • Proof of any real estate tax paid in the previous year
  • If you are a student who is eligible for the educational tax credit, please bring your form 1098T and your student account statement from your school.

If you are married filing jointly, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms to file taxes electronically.

Lake County

CoAction

5240 Fountain Drive,

Crown Point, IN 46307

East Chicago Public Library

2401 E. Columbus Dr.,

East Chicago, IN 46312

Gary Public Library

220 W 5th Ave, Gary IN 46409

The Urban League of NWI

3101 Broadway,

Gary, IN 46409

Indiana University Northwest School of Business

3400 Broadway

Dunes Medical Prof Bldg Room 1119

Gary, IN 46408

Whiting Public Library

1735 Oliver St.,

Whiting, IN 46394

Porter County

Prominence Commons

6470 Evergreen Ave,

Portage, IN 46368

Porter County Aging & Community Services

1005 N Campbell St.,

Valparaiso, IN 46385

219-464-9736

Starke County

Community Services of Starke County

311 E. Culver Rd.,

Knox, IN 46534

Pulaski County

Pulaski County Human Services

115 West Pearl St.,

Winamac, IN 46996

FAQs

To Schedule an Appointment Contact 219-794-1858