Tax Preparation Help from the IRS

Last updated on February 4, 2023

The IRS provides tax preparation help to taxpayers that need help, but cannot afford to hire a professional tax preparer to prepare their tax return. Free tax preparation assistance is also available to the elderly. Taxpayers can use the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs by visiting a VITA and TCE site in their local community. Usually, these sites are located at schools, libraries, shopping malls, etc.

Assistance under the VITA program is available to taxpayers whose income level is $52,000 or less. IRS-certified volunteers assist taxpayers in how to accurately prepare their tax returns. Taxpayers are informed about the tax credits they qualify for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, and the Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled.

The IRS’ TCE program is another free tax help program that the IRS holds during the tax season to help taxpayers accurately prepare their tax returns. Taxpayers who are 60 years of age and older can get help under the TCE program. These centers specialize in questions about pensions and retirement issues.

Taxpayers can use the free tax help provided by the IRS to learn about the tax credits and deductions that they may qualify for even if they are preparing their taxes themselves.