The Internal Revenue Service’s 2017 tax filing season began on January 23 for the year 2016. This year’s tax filing deadline is April 18.
The IRS has a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that offers free tax help to filers who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help 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.
Before going to a VITA or TCE site, see Publication 3676-B for services provided and check out the What to Bring page to ensure you have all the required documents and information our volunteers will need to help you. Services can vary at each site due to the availability of volunteers certified with the tax law expertise.
Some VITA sites offer Certified Acceptance Agent service to taxpayers along with their VITA program. CAA service prevents filers from having to mail their proof of identity and foreign status documents.
VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site near you, call 800-906-9887 or visit https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/.
When looking for a TCE site keep in mind that a majority of the TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide program. To locate the nearest AARP TCE Tax-Aide site between January and April call 888-227-7669 or use the AARP Site Locator Tool at http://bit.ly/2h9QGdC .
