Free tax prep not just a dream for millions of Americans. Many of them just don’t know that they can get it done.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, run by the IRS, provide free basic tax return preparation services to eligible individuals.
For over 50 years, the VITA program has been offering free tax assistance at various sites to those who require help with preparing their tax returns. This includes individuals who:
- Generally earn $64,000 or less
- Have disabilities
- Are limited English speakers
Additionally, the TCE program offers free tax help, focusing on individuals aged 60 and above, especially addressing questions related to pensions and retirement that are specific to seniors.
While the IRS oversees the VITA and TCE programs, the actual sites are run by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who are dedicated to serving their communities. These IRS-certified volunteers, often retirees associated with non-profit organizations receiving grants from the IRS, provide tax counseling and preparation services.
The VITA/TCE services are not only cost-free but are also reliable and trustworthy. Volunteers undergo tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of taxpayer information. The IRS mandates a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site before submission. Each tax season, numerous VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns, aiding taxpayers with thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.
Before visiting a VITA or TCE site, individuals are advised to consult Publication 3676-BPDF for available services and to ensure they bring all necessary documents and information specified in “What to bring” to assist the volunteers effectively.
It’s important to note that services may vary at each site based on the availability of volunteers with the required tax law expertise. Some VITA sites may also offer CAA service in addition to their regular VITA program.
For information on online account opening and selecting the right bank account, individuals are encouraged to visit the FDIC website.