IRS-trained volunteers offering free tax preparation

The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers who have not filed their tax returns that they may qualify to receive free tax help from IRS-trained volunteers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

The IRS partners with a network of community organizations to offer free tax services at thousands of tax preparation sites around the country. These sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help and return preparation to people who generally make $53,000 or less, people with disabilities, the elderly and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free tax help and return preparation for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

At Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly tax preparation sites, individuals may receive free electronic filing; tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or Credit for the Elderly; help with the new healthcare law tax provision; bilingual help; and help for military members and their families.

To find a VITA or TCE tax preparation site, go to IRS.gov, search the word “VITA,” and click on “Free Tax Return Preparation for You by Volunteers.” Taxpayers can also download IRS’s mobile app, IRS2Go, by going to “Free Tax Help” and entering a zip code with a mileage range. For help with navigating the website, call 800-906-9887, or call 888-227-7669.

More tax tips in the Internal Revenue Service’s Tax Time Guide series are available at IRS.gov.