IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their tax returns, including:

• People who generally make $60,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for people 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

VITA/TCE services are not only free, but they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA/TCE volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site before filing. Thousands of VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns annually. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.

VITA and TCE Site Locator
(800) 906-9887
Webpage

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
In partnership with the IRS, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, focusing on taxpayers who are 50+ and have low-to-moderate income.

Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year and are nationwide.

Tax-Aide sites are currently open for the 2022 tax season. This year, tax assistance is available by appointment only, so be sure to book an appointment by clicking here.

AARP Site Locator
(888) 227-7669
Webpage

Frequently Asked Questions