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 offer free basic tax return preparation through IRS-certified volunteers. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. The IRS manages both programs, but the sites themselves are run by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers.
VITA generally focuses on serving taxpayers who meet the Earned Income Tax Credit income guidelines. The IRS does not set a program-wide income limit, though individual VITA sites may establish their own. Many sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance preparing their own returns, including:
- People who generally make about $70,244 or less
- Persons with disabilities
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
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 federal and state returns, and they also help taxpayers with Facilitated Self-Assistance returns. Every return prepared at a VITA or TCE site gets a quality review check before it is filed, and all volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards, including training on keeping taxpayer information private and confidential. At select sites you can instead prepare your own basic federal and state return for free using web-based tax preparation software with an IRS-certified volunteer guiding you through the process; that option is only available at locations that list "Self-Prep" in the site listing. Some VITA sites also offer CAA service along with their VITA program.
To find the nearest VITA or TCE site, use the VITA Locator Tool at freetaxassistance.for.irs.gov or call 800-906-9887. On the locator you enter a ZIP code and a distance in miles, and you can filter for sites by language available, whether an appointment is required, and whether the site is open weekends or after 5:30 p.m. A majority of TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program; to find one of those between January and April, use the AARP Site Locator Tool at aarp.org or call 888-227-7669.
Sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country. Before going, see Publication 3676-B for the services provided and check the IRS checklist of what to bring so you have all the required documents and information the volunteers will need.
Available services can vary at each site, because they depend on having volunteers certified with the tax law expertise your return requires. The locator is updated regularly from February through April. The IRS page does not list hours, addresses or appointment rules for individual sites.
Source: irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-quali…, read November 1, 2026.
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Many sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including: People who generally make about $ 70,244 or less Persons with disabilities 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.
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.
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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: November 1, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.