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VITA Program 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - VITA - Program of AEA & SAG-AFTRA will be open during the off season on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. from May 8, 2025 until December 11, 2025, except for federal and state holidays.

Telephone (during office hours only):  (212) 921-2548.

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW IF YOU WISH TO QUALIFY FOR FREE TAX ASSISTANCE

In advance of your appointment, please download and complete IRS Form 13614-C and the VITA Worksheets. These worksheets, which comply with IRS law, are required and must be completed before an appointment. If you do not have your worksheets completed before you arrive, you will not be seen. The IRS and VITA worksheets are available below. You must complete all of them.

PLEASE NOTE: VITA will prepare tax returns for those members who earn $100,000 or less (single) or $200,000 or less (married) and will prepare returns for members whose incomes are from wages, interest, dividends, unemployment, pensions/retirement, Social Security, investments, 1099-NEC independent contractor fees, 1099-MISC royalty earnings, alimony, jury pay, election poll worker pay and prize winnings.


IMPORTANT: Services will be provided only to those members who show an original or copy of all of the following:  

  1. A paid-up union card.
  2. Social Security cards for every person listed on the tax return.
  3. A current driver’s license or state issued photo ID (front and back), if you have one.
  4. Completed IRS and VITA worksheets available below.

It is important that you have all of the worksheets completed as well as all necessary income statements and other documents gathered before you arrive to have your taxes prepared. You will not be seen unless you have everything ready.  Documents must be presented in hard copy. No electronic statements will be accepted.

The posting of this information is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of tax preparer/professional, legal or financial counsel. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided.

The New York City VITA program is headed by Site Coordinator, Gordon Stanley, and VITA Tax Director, SAG-AFTRA New York Local Board Member and Actors Equity Association Secretary-Treasurer Sandra Karas. The New York VITA program is the largest IRS-sponsored tax assistance program in the country specializing in performers' tax returns. The program prepares thousands of complex federal, state and local tax returns for members. A number of volunteers (many of whom are members) assist throughout tax season.

The VITA program is made possible with support from the AEA Foundation and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation.
 

Resources & Downloads

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VITA IRS Intake Form
VITA Rules for Union Members
VITA Information Checklist
VITA Total Gross Income Worksheet
VITA W-2 Worksheet
VITA Performing Arts Expenses
VITA Out of Town Expenses
VITA Auto Expenses

About Our Local

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2023-2025 NY Local Board Face sheet 34 Members as of 1 May 2024

New York Local Executive Director

Rebecca Damon

Contact Us

Call (855) SAG-AFTRA or click on the button below to reach a local representative.

New York Local Office

New York

1900 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York , New York 10023

Resources & Downloads

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New York Local Constitution

About Our Local - Philadelphia

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The Philadelphia Local jurisdiction represents members working in Eastern PA, Southern NJ and Delaware.

Staff & Contact Information

CONTRACT / DEPARTMENT CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Executive Director Stephen Leshinski (215) 430-6355 stephen.leshinski@sagaftra.org
Audiobooks Audiobooks (212) 863-4242 Audiobooks@sagaftra.org
Background Actors Ramon Jackson

Ryan Stapleton
(215) 430-6360

(215) 430-6353
ramon.jackson@sagaftra.org

ryan.stapleton@sagaftra.org
Commercials (Background Actors, Corporate/Educational, Infomercials) Ramon Jackson

Ryan Stapleton
(215) 430-6360

(215) 430-6353
ramon.jackson@sagaftra.org

ryan.stapleton@sagaftra.org
Dancers & Music Videos Music (323) 549-6864 Music@sagaftra.org
Interactive/Video Games Voice Over (323) 549-6815 Interactive@sagaftra.org
Membership (Eligibility, Joining, Updating Contact Information) Ramon Jackson

Ryan Stapleton
(215) 430-6360

(215) 430-6353
ramon.jackson@sagaftra.org

ryan.stapleton@sagaftra.org
New Media Entertainment Contracts (323) 549-6466 EntContractsInfo@sagaftra.org
News & Broadcast Michele Dooley (215) 430-6352 michele.dooley@sagaftra.org
Podcast Podcast (323) 634-8132 PodcastContracts@sagaftra.org
Professional Representatives (formerly Agency) Professional Representatives (323) 549-6745 Agency@sagaftra.org
Residuals - Film/TV Residuals (323) 549-6505 Residuals@sagaftra.org
SAG Awards SAG Awards (323) 549-6707 AwardsInfo@sagawards.org
Singers/Sound Recording Music (323) 549-6864 Music@sagaftra.org
Stunt & Safety Ramon Jackson

Ryan Stapleton
(215) 430-6360

(215) 430-6353
ramon.jackson@sagaftra.org

ryan.stapleton@sagaftra.org
Television Ramon Jackson

Ryan Stapleton
(215) 430-6360

(215) 430-6353
ramon.jackson@sagaftra.org

ryan.stapleton@sagaftra.org
Theatrical (including Micro, Student, Short & Low Budget films) Ramon Jackson

Ryan Stapleton
(215) 430-6360

(215) 430-6353
ramon.jackson@sagaftra.org

ryan.stapleton@sagaftra.org
Voice Over Voice Over (323) 549-6815 VoiceOver@sagaftra.org

 

Local Board

Nicole Izanec – President
Meagan Hill – Vice President (Actor/Performer)
Markus Goldman – Vice President (Broadcast)
Monica Avery - Secretary

Jay Gleason (Broadcast)
Denyse Ellington
Bryan Enright
Mike Kraycik
Gail Lewis
Susan Moses
Lou Pacheco
Greg Pronko
J S Williamson
David Woo

Resources & Downloads

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Philadelphia Local Constitution

About Our Local - Ohio-Pittsburgh

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Ohio-Pittsburgh Local Contact Support

CONTRACT / DEPARTMENT CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Executive Director Brian Lysell (412) 395-3809 brian.lysell@sagaftra.org
Audiobooks Audiobooks (212) 863-4242 Audiobooks@sagaftra.org
Background Actors Background (323) 549-6811 BackgroundActorsInfo@sagaftra.org

BackgroundActorsClaims@sagaftra.org

BackgroundActorsTaftHartley@sagaftra.org
Business Representative (TV/Theatrical, Commercials, and Co-Ed) Lisa Ann Goldsmith (412) 395-3808 lisaann.goldsmith@sagaftra.org
Business Representative (Broadcast) - Western PA & Western NY Bryan Staul (412) 395-3810 bryan.staul@sagaftra.org
Broadcast Business Representative - Ohio & Louisville, KY Tim Williams (513) 510-5297 tim.williams@sagaftra.org
Commercials (Background Actors, Corporate/Educational, Infomercials) Paul Argumedo (323) 549-6856 Comm.CoEdInfo@sagaftra.org
Commercials (Background Actors, Corporate/Educational, Infomercials) Waleska Rivera (305) 663-7085 Waleska.Rivera@sagaftra.org
Dancers & Music Videos Music (323) 549-6864 Interactive@sagaftra.org
Interactive/Video Games Voice Over (323) 549-6815 Music@sagaftra.org
Membership (Eligibility, Joining, Updating Contact Information) Membership Services (323) 549-6778 MembershipServices2@sagaftra.org
New Media Entertainment Contracts (323) 549-6466 EntContractsInfo@sagaftra.org
News & Broadcast Broadcast 800-638-6796 News&Broadcast@sagaftra.org
Podcast Podcast (323) 634-8132 PodcastContracts@sagaftra.org
Professional Representatives (formerly Agency) Professional Representatives (323) 549-6745 Agency@sagaftra.org
Residuals - Film/TV Residuals (323) 549-6505 Residuals@sagaftra.org
SAG Awards SAG Awards (323) 549-6707 AwardsInfo@sagawards.org
Singers/Sound Recording Music (323) 549-6864 Music@sagaftra.org
Stunt & Safety Stunt & Safety (323) 549-6855 SSD@sagaftra.org
Television Entertainment Contracts (323) 549-6835 EntContractsInfo@sagaftra.org
Theatrical (including Micro, Student, Short & Low Budget films) Entertainment Contracts (323) 549-6828 EntContractsInfo@sagaftra.org
Voice Over Voice Over (323) 549-6815 VoiceOver@sagaftra.org

Resources & Downloads

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Ohio-Pittsburgh Local Constitution

Local Board (5/14/24)

Heather Abraham – President
Randy Kovitz – Vice President
Joe Gunderman – Secretary

Ednah Wright Holt
Melissa Kidd
Mike Kraft
Paul Martino
Mark Roberts
Rick Pfeiffer 
Andy Schofield

About Our Local - Michigan

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Staff & Contact Information

Membership and Contract services and support for the Michigan Local are provided by the Chicago office. The Chicago staff will respond to your needs quickly and professionally.

CONTRACT/DEPARTMENT CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Local Inquiries William Hendrickson (312) 867-2542 William.Hendrickson@sagaftra.org
Audiobooks Audiobooks (212) 863-4242 Audiobooks@sagaftra.org
Background Actors Background (323) 549-6811 BackgroundActorsInfo@sagaftra.org

BackgroundActorsClaims@sagaftra.org

BackgroundActorsTaftHartley@sagaftra.org
Commercials (Background Actors, Corporate/Educational, Infomercials) Sean Hennessy

Kathy Byrne
(312) 867-2549

312-867-5508
Sean.Hennessy@sagaftra.org

cc: Kathy.Byrne@sagaftra.org
Dancers & Music Videos Sean Hennessy

Kathy Byrne
(312) 867-2549

312-867-5508
Sean.Hennessy@sagaftra.org

cc: Kathy.Byrne@sagaftra.org
Interactive Sean Hennessy (312) 867-2549 Sean.Hennessy@sagaftra.org
Membership (Eligibility, Joining, Updating Contact Information) Membership Services (312) 867-2541 MembershipServices2@sagaftra.org
New Media Sean Hennessy (312) 867-2549 Sean.Hennessy@sagaftra.org
News & Broadcast William Hendrickson (312) 867-2542 william.hendrickson@sagaftra.org
Podcast Podcast (323) 634-8132 PodcastContracts@sagaftra.org
Professional Representatives (formerly Agency) Kathy Byrne (312) 867-5508 Kathy.Byrne@sagaftra.org
Residuals, Film/TV Residuals Department (323) 549-6505 residuals@sagaftra.org
SAG Awards SAG Awards (323) 549-6707 AwardsInfo@sagawards.org
Singers / Sound Recordings Sean Hennessy (312) 867-2549 Sean.Hennessy@sagaftra.org
Stunt & Safety Kathy Byrne (312) 867-5508 Kathy.Byrne@sagaftra.org
Television Kathy Byrne (312) 867-5508 Kathy.Byrne@sagaftra.org
Theatrical (including Micro, Student, Short & Low Budget films) Entertainment

Kathy Byrne
(323) 549-6828

(312) 867-5508
EntContractsInfo@sagaftra.org

Kathy.Byrne@sagaftra.org
Voice Over Voice Over (323) 549-6815 VoiceOver@sagaftra.org

Local Board (11/15/2023)

Eric Wydra – President
Jo-Jo Shutty-MacGregor – First Vice President
Ashley Noel – Second Vice President
Patty Handysides – Third Vice President

Jay R. Adams
Shane Carson
Jim Gilmore
Liz Graham
Quintin Hicks
Nancy McCauley Branstetter
Jacqua Scott

Resources & Downloads

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Before You Call or Email the Michigan Local, Consider These Options
Michigan Local Constitution

New Orleans

Welcome to the New Orleans Local!

Our local represents and protects performers doing SAG-AFTRA work as actors, stunt performers, dancers, singers, voiceover artists and other media professionals in Louisiana and Mississippi. Our mission is to support our existing members, to grow our membership and to educate local filmmakers and producers about the myriad SAG-AFTRA contracts available to hire our professional, experienced and talented members in New Orleans and surrounding areas. 

Production in the New Orleans Local continues to grow and the future of SAG-AFTRA gets brighter every day!

Jim Gleason
New Orleans Local President

New Orleans Local delegates and staff at the virtual SAG-AFTRA 2024 Special Convention.

Members gather in person in New Orleans for a mixer and orientation on June 27, 2023. Photo by Rhonda Laizer.

Staff member Joel Reamer with members and SAG-AFTRA Strong supporters in Jackson, Mississippi, on Aug 21, 2023.

Over 150 members and supporters rallied in New Orleans Congo Square on Aug. 28, 2023, in support of the SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike. Photo by Mike Yahn.

Local stunt performer Adam Horwitz at the New Orleans strike rally in August 2023. Photo by Mike Yahn.

New Orleans Local Board member Diana Boylston leads the crowd in a song at the strike rally in August 2023. Photo by Hunter Baxley.

Convention delegate Laura Cayouette and rally volunteer Mary Stieffel cheer on speakers at the New Orleans rally in August 2023. Photo by Hunter Baxley.

Members in Baton Rouge gather in strike solidarity at the Louisiana Old State Capitol on August 25, 2023.

Instructor Alex Coker, far right, along with fellow members, from left, Angel Spital, Michael Collier, Kernesha Steele, Laura Cayouette, Kate Adair, Olga Wilhelmine and Lisha Wheeler at a women’s self-defense program in August 2023, hosted by the New Orleans Local Women’s Committee.

New Orleans Local President Jim Gleason, far left, with casting directors Liz Coulon, Brent Caballero, Meagan Lewis and Ryan Glorioso, who spoke at the November 2023 local membership meeting.

Members show support for the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee during the 2023 New Orleans Local Membership Meeting on Nov. 16, 2023.

From left, member Rhonda Laizer, New Orleans Local Vice President Billy Slaughter, member Carol Ann Scruggs and member and Harahan City Mayor Tim Baudier at the Louisiana Film and Entertainment Association’s annual meeting and holiday party in December 2023. Photo courtesy of Rhonda Laizer.

From left, New Orleans National and Local Board member Diana Boylston, Local Communications Committee member Rhonda Laizer, member Jonas Chartock and Local Board member Sean Braud celebrate SAG Awards night at the February 2024 local viewing party!

New Orleans Local Board members Ritchie Montgomery and Wayne Douglas Morgan at the February 2024 SAG Awards viewing party. Photo by Tijani.

About Our Local - Atlanta

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The SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Local services members working in Georgia and South Carolina.

 

Local Staff & Contact Information

Local Contact Title PHONE EMAIL
General Inquiries
(404) 239-0131
atlanta@sagaftra.org
Executive Director Alison Wise (404) 443-3709 alison.wise@sagaftra.org
Senior Business Representative Jess W. Speaker III (404) 443-3717
Jess.Speaker@sagaftra.org
Business Representative Khallida Kidd (404) 443-3712
Khallida.Kidd@sagaftra.org
Senior Regional Set Relations Representative (GA)
Susan Moss
(404) 977-1807
Susan.Moss@sagaftra.org
Regional Set Relations Representative (Southeast)
Justin Chambers
(470) 409-9295
Justin.Chambers@sagaftra.org

National Departments

CONTRACT / DEPARTMENT CONTACT PHONE EMAIL
Audiobooks Audiobooks (212) 863-4242 Audiobooks@sagaftra.org
Background Actors Background (323) 549-6811 BackgroundActorsInfo@sagaftra.org

BackgroundActorsClaims@sagaftra.org

BackgroundActorsTaftHartley@sagaftra.org
Commercials (Background Actors, Corporate/Educational, Infomercials) Paul Argumedo (323) 549-6856 Comm.CoEdInfo@sagaftra.org
Commercials (Background Actors, Corporate/Educational, Infomercials) Waleska Rivera (305) 663-7085 Waleska.Rivera@sagaftra.org
Dancers & Music Videos Music (323) 549-6864 Music@sagaftra.org
Interactive/Video Games Voice Over (323) 549-6815 Interactive@sagaftra.org
Membership (Eligibility, Joining, Updating Contact Information) Alison Wise, Senior Manager Contracts & Member Services (404) 443-3709 Alison.Wise@sagaftra.org
New Media Entertainment Contracts (323) 549-6466 EntContractsInfo@sagaftra.org
News & Broadcast Broadcast 800-638-6796 News&Broadcast@sagaftra.org
Podcast Podcast (323) 634-8132 PodcastContracts@sagaftra.org
Professional Representatives (formerly Agency) Professional Representatives (323) 549-6745 Agency@sagaftra.org
Residuals - Film/TV Residuals (323) 549-6505 Residuals@sagaftra.org
SAG Awards SAG Awards (323) 549-6707 AwardsInfo@sagawards.org
Singers/Sound Recording Music (323) 549-6864 Music@sagaftra.org
Stunt & Safety Stunt & Safety (323) 549-6855 SSD@sagaftra.org
Television Entertainment (323) 549-6835 EntContractsInfo@sagaftra.org
Theatrical (including Micro, Student, Short & Low Budget films) Entertainment (323) 549-6828 EntContractsInfo@sagaftra.org
Voice Over Voice Over (323) 549-6815 VoiceOver@sagaftra.org

Local Board

Eric Goins – President
Keith Meriweather – First Vice President
Nikki Young – Second Vice President

Yolanda Asher
Karen Ceesay
Helen Ingebritsen
Brian Kurlander
Clayton Landey 
Dacía James Lewis
Samantha J McDonald
Jessica Nam
Njema Williams

Resources & Downloads

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Atlanta Local Constitution

 

Get Involved

If you are interested in working to serve your union, there are many ways to do that. We have several committees that are always looking for members. In addition, we have special events and nominating committees that need your involvement.

With Georgia being a right-to-work state, it’s essential that we stay visibly active in our market in order to maximize union work opportunities. This requires that we all get active and working with SAG-AFTRA in a visible leadership role is an important way to do it.

If any of the above topics interest you or if you have an idea for something that you think would benefit members, please contact the Atlanta Local office at (404) 239-0131. Melissa and Alison will forward your name to the appropriate committee chairs.

Local Resources

Casting notices, production listing, and local information.

 

Nashville Local Casting Notices

  • Casting Notices

There are no casting notices at this time. Please check back soon!

Resources & Downloads

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2022 Tennessee Regional Commercials Code - Cover Sheet
2019 Tennessee Regional Commercials Code and Rates

New York Conservatory

Registration for the SAG-AFTRA New York Conservatory is Now Open!

Registration for the SAG-AFTRA New York Conservatory is now available online. The current season runs through summer 2025. Classes take place Monday through Friday during business hours (between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.) at the SAG-AFTRA New York office, 1900 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10023 (between 63rd and 64th Streets) .

Conservatory Services

Membership is only $49 for the season and New York Conservatory members can register for one class per week. You must be a member in good standing of the SAG-AFTRA New York Local and 18+ years of age in order to register for the SAG-AFTRA New York Conservatory.

Classes will include:

  • Acting on Camera
  • Improv for TV & Film
  • Intro to Screenwriting
  • Preparation for On-Camera Work
  • Scene Study and Audition Technique
  • Self-Producing 101
  • Shakespeare: Cold Reading and Monologue Exploration
  • Working in Commercials
  • And more class options coming soon!

 

How to Join

Click on Online NY Conservatory Registration below to join the SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory. You must be logged in to register. The registration fee is payable via credit card only. Completing the online application constitutes agreement and understanding that you will adhere to all SAG-AFTRA New York Conservatory policies. Failure to comply can result in revocation of your NY Conservatory membership. 

Questions? Email us at ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org

Although run under the auspices of SAG-AFTRA, membership dues are not used to pay for NY Conservatory activity. Your nominal Conservatory registration fee goes to pay for such things as studio equipment and a small travel stipend for the teachers. Additionally, fellow actors just like you volunteer their time to run this fine program.

 

Class Online Sign-up & Schedule

Volunteer!

Be a part of an excellent team! Have extra time?  Have expertise and experience? Volunteer to teach, instruct or assist. Simply email ny.conservatory@sagaftra.org with your resume and teaching resume for consideration. You will be contacted by staff with further information. Stay involved, it’s your union! 

 

Help Center

On-Set Emergency

On-Set Emergency: (844) 723-3773

Help Center

How can we help? Call, chat with a rep, get answers to FAQs or send us an email.