Free Tax Return Preparation From IRS VITA and TCE Volunteers
The IRS runs two programs, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), that prepare basic federal and state tax returns at no charge through IRS-certified volunteers. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years.
VITA is for people who need help preparing their own returns, including people who generally make $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English. TCE offers free tax help particularly for people who are 60 years of age and older, and specializes in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
Volunteers prepare and file federal and state returns. At select sites you can instead prepare your own basic federal and state return for free using web-based tax software with an IRS-certified volunteer guiding you; this is only available at locations that list "Self-Prep" in the site listing. Every return prepared at a VITA or TCE site gets a quality review check before it is filed, and all volunteers must pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards, including training on keeping taxpayer information private. Some VITA sites also offer CAA service.
To find the nearest site, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887. Most TCE sites are run by the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program; to find one of those between January and April, use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.
Sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations. Before you go, look at Publication 3676-B for the services provided and check the IRS list of what to bring so you have all the required documents and information the volunteers need.
Available services can vary at each site, because it depends on having volunteers certified in the tax law your return requires. The locator is updated regularly from February through April. The page does not give hours, addresses or appointment rules for individual sites, so ask when you call.
Source: irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-quali…, read September 18, 2026.
The details
Read the rest
and Limited English-speaking taxpayers In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
Read the rest
To locate the nearest AARP TCE Tax-Aide site between January and April use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669 .
In IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance’s words
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. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. 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. At select tax sites, taxpayers also have an option to prepare their own basic federal and state tax return for…
Organization
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
About this listing
This listing summarizes publicly available information from irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-quali…. Last recorded review: September 18, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.