How do I confirm you qualify?

VITA: income under $67,000, people with disabilities, or limited English speakers. TCE/AARP Tax-Aide: primarily for people 50 and older — no income limit. If you are a senior, try AARP Tax-Aide first. If you are under 60 with income under $67,000, use VITA. Both are free.

How do I find a site near you?

Go to irs.gov and search "VITA" or visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide. Enter your zip code to find nearby sites with hours, location, and whether they offer in-person or virtual preparation. Appointments fill up quickly in February and March — book early.

How do I gather your documents?

Bring: Photo ID for yourself and spouse. Social Security cards for everyone on the return. All income documents — W-2s from employers, 1099-SSA for Social Security, 1099-R for pensions/retirement, 1099-INT for bank interest, 1099-DIV for dividends, and any 1099-MISC for other income. Prior year's tax return if you have it. Health insurance information (1095-A if you use the Marketplace). Bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit.

How do I attend your appointment?

At the appointment, a trained volunteer prepares your return while you are present. They will ask questions, enter your information, calculate your refund or amount owed, and review the completed return with you before filing. The service is completely free — you should never be asked to pay.

How do I get your refund via direct deposit?

If you are receiving a refund, provide your bank account routing and account numbers at the appointment for direct deposit. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund — usually 10 to 21 days after filing. If you prefer a paper check, the IRS mails it to your address on file — this takes longer.

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VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is a free IRS program that provides tax preparation help to people who generally earn $67,000 or less, have disabilities, or have limited English. Trained IRS-certified volunteers prepare your federal and often state tax return at no charge.

There is also a sister program called **TCE** (Tax Counseling for the Elderly), which specializes in tax issues unique to seniors — including retirement income, Social Security benefits, and Medicare deductions. TCE is offered by organizations like AARP and has no income limit requirement.

Both programs prepare the same forms a paid preparer would, including returns with investment income, retirement distributions, and Social Security benefits. Your return is reviewed for accuracy before being filed.

In 2025, VITA and TCE sites helped millions of Americans file returns and receive billions in refunds — at zero cost.

How to find a site:

- IRS website: irs.gov/vita → "Free Tax Return Preparation" - AARP Tax-Aide: aarpfoundation.org/taxaide - Call 211 (your local social services line) - Call 1-800-906-9887 (IRS VITA locator)

Sites operate February through mid-April. Some operate year-round for amended returns and other issues. Many now offer virtual (online) options where a volunteer prepares your return remotely using documents you submit.