Are you looking for reliable tax preparation services but concerned about the cost? The IRS supports two amazing programs, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), that offer free tax help to qualified individuals right in your community. These programs ensure everyone has access to professional tax preparation, regardless of their income.
Understanding VITA and TCE Programs
For over 50 years, the VITA program has been a cornerstone of community support, providing free tax preparation services to those who need it most. VITA focuses on assisting:
- Individuals and families who generally make $67,000 or less annually
- People with disabilities needing accessible tax help
- Taxpayers with limited English-speaking abilities who require assistance in their preferred language
Complementing VITA, the TCE program extends free tax help, particularly tailored for individuals aged 60 and over. TCE volunteers specialize in addressing pension and retirement-related tax questions that are common for seniors, ensuring they receive the specific guidance they need.
While the IRS provides oversight and resources, VITA and TCE sites are locally operated by dedicated IRS partners. The programs thrive thanks to IRS-certified volunteers who are passionate about giving back to their communities. These volunteers, often retirees affiliated with non-profit organizations funded by IRS grants, undergo rigorous tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This comprehensive training emphasizes not only tax law expertise but also the critical importance of taxpayer privacy and data confidentiality. To maintain the highest standards of accuracy, every tax return prepared at a VITA or TCE site undergoes a quality review before filing, guaranteeing reliable and trustworthy service. Each tax season, tens of thousands of VITA/TCE volunteers dedicate their time to prepare millions of federal and state tax returns, and also assist numerous taxpayers through Facilitated Self-Assistance options.
Benefits of Choosing Free Tax Preparation Services
Opting for VITA or TCE services offers numerous advantages:
- Free of Charge: The most significant benefit is completely free tax preparation, saving you money while ensuring accurate filing.
- Expertise and Reliability: IRS-certified volunteers are well-trained in tax law, providing you with knowledgeable assistance you can trust.
- Quality Review: Every return is reviewed for quality, minimizing errors and maximizing accuracy.
- Community Focused: These programs are designed to support your local community, with services offered at convenient locations like community centers, libraries, and schools.
- Specialized Senior Support: TCE provides specialized expertise in retirement and pension issues crucial for elderly taxpayers.
Locate Tax Preparation Services Near You
Finding a VITA or TCE site near you is easy. These sites are conveniently located throughout the country in familiar places such as community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, and shopping malls.
To find the closest VITA or TCE location, use the IRS’s VITA Locator Tool. You can also get assistance by calling 800-906-9887.
If you are looking for a TCE site, remember that many are run by the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program. To locate an AARP TCE Tax-Aide site near you between January and April, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.
AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator Tool
Prepare for Your Visit
To ensure a smooth and efficient visit to a VITA or TCE site, it’s helpful to be prepared. Refer to Publication 3676-B PDF for details on available services at each location. Also, consult the checklist of what to bring to gather all necessary documents and information.
Note: Service availability can vary by site based on volunteer expertise.
Self-Assistance Option
At certain locations, taxpayers have the option to utilize web-based tax preparation software to prepare their own basic federal and state tax returns for free. IRS-certified volunteers are available at these sites to guide you through the process. These locations are identified with “Self-Prep” in the site listing.
AARP Tax-Aide for Seniors
For seniors specifically seeking tax counseling, AARP Tax-Aide, under the TCE program, offers specialized assistance. Utilize the AARP Site Locator Tool to find locations and schedules.
Important Reminder: The site locator tools are updated regularly from February through April, so ensure you are checking for the most current information during tax season.
