Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, from the IRS is another free resource.
Its similar to TCE, but tax filers of all ages can get assistance through the program.
Anyone can get help through VITA, but priority is given to:
- People who generally make $60,000 or less
- People with disabilities
- Taxpayers who speak limited English
Want to take a more hands-on approach? Several VITA locations give you the option to file your own basic federal and state tax returns using web-based tax prep software. An IRS-certified volunteer can help answer any questions you have along the way and guide you through the process.
You can find the nearest VITA location near you by using the VITA/TCE Locator Tool.
VITA/TCE volunteers can help you file a variety of tax documents, including:
- Wages from your W-2
- Earned Income Tax Credit
Irs Free File Helps Seniors And Retirees Do Their Taxes For Free
IR-2020-10, January 15, 2020
WASHINGTON Seniors and retirees whose income is under $69,000 a year should explore IRS Free File for free online tax preparation.
Seniors are one of the key constituents for Free File which has served 57 million taxpayers and saved them $1.7 billion since the online filing service debuted in 2003.
Free File which features 10 brand-name tax software providers also offers the new Form 1040-SR option for seniors over the age of 65.
“When you’re on a fixed income, every penny saved matters. With Free File, you can save lots of pennies. Free File also does all the hard work for you. It finds the right forms, benefits and does all the math,” said Ken Corbin, commissioner of IRS’ Wage and Investment division.
Free File supports all the major forms that can be filed electronically so even if your return is a bit more complex, you can still use a free service.
Tax Counseling For The Elderly
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers FREE tax help to individuals who are age 60 or older. Cooperative grant agreements are entered into between IRS and eligible organizations to provide tax assistance to elderly taxpayers. The funds provided by the IRS are used by organizations to reimburse volunteers for their out-of-pocket expenses including transportation, meals and other expenses incurred by them in providing tax counseling assistance at locations convenient to the taxpayers.
Tax return preparation assistance is provided to elderly taxpayers during the normal period for filing Federal income tax returns, which is from January 1 to April 15 each year. However, the program activities required to make sure elderly taxpayers receive efficient and quality tax assistance can be conducted year-round.
Our current sponsorsPDF are responsible for all aspects of operating the TCE program including, but not limited to publicity, recruitment, training, site selection and management of volunteers.
Section 163 of the Revenue Act of 1978, Public Law No. 95-600, 92 Stat. 2810, November 6, 1978, authorizes IRS to enter into cooperative agreements.
This web page serves as a resource for organizations interested in applying for a TCE grant as well as for organizations who have been awarded a grant.
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Here’s How Free File Works:
Nyc Free Tax Prep Service Options
In-Person Tax Prep and Drop-off Service
In-Person Tax Prep: Knowledgeable IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers will sit down with you to complete an accurate tax return. Sessions take a minimum of 30 minutes.
Drop-off Service: You can drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later.
Online Tax Prep Services
GetYourRefund.org is a virtual program that connects filers to NYC Free Tax Prep providers to have their return completed for them. Steps:
Virtual Tax Prep is a safe and reliable online tax prep service. You must have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone a stable internet connection and the ability to download secure video conference software. An IRS certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance /Tax Counseling for the Elderly volunteer preparer will:
- help you file your 2021 tax return during a 60-90 minute virtual call
- use a secure digital system to manage your tax documents
- answer your tax questions.
List of Virtual Tax Prep and Assisted Self-Preparation Providers
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Irs Tax Information For Elders
For those who are simply looking for information on what types of retirement income are taxable or the eligibility requirements for certain tax deductions and credits, the IRS has your back. Visit the IRS Tax Information for Seniors & Retirees site for tax answers that apply specifically to older adults and retired individuals.
File Your Taxes With Nyc Free Tax Prep
Changes to tax credits mean more money for you when you file.We’ll help you get your money.If you earned $72,000 or less in 2021, file for FREE with an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer.Review checklist of documents you need to file your taxes.
TAX DAY! filing
- If you think you will owe taxes, it is a good idea to make an estimated payment.
- If you don’t owe taxes, you will not be penalized for filing late if you request an extension. For example, if your income is below the 2021 requirement to file or if you typically get a refund and do not owe, you will not be penalized.
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Most Popular Faqs For Free Senior Tax Service
Where can seniors get free tax service?
- BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown Campus 6500 Rookin St,Houston,TX 77074
- BakerRipley East Aldine Campus 3000 Aldine Mail Route Rd,Houston,TX 77039
- BakerRipley Ripley House 4410 Navigation Blvd,Houston,TX 77011
How can I get my taxes done for free?
- Virtual Tax Prep: A preparer can help you file your tax return during a 60-90 minute virtual call.
- Assisted Self-Prep: Complete your tax return on your own. …
- Drop-off service: Drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later
- In-person: Get your taxes prepared for free at a tax prep location near you.
How to get your taxes done for free?
Where Can You Get Your Taxes Done For Free?
- IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly
- File for free with IRS Free File
- Use the IRS free Fillable Forms
- Tax Software Programs Online
- Things to Remember
Do senior citizens still have to file taxes?
Single seniors need to file a tax return if theyre at least 65 years old and have gross income of $14,250 or more, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
Proof Of Your Identity And Tax Status
If someone else is doing your taxes, you will need to show them your drivers license or state ID. If you are married and filing a joint return, both you and your spouse need to be there while the person is doing your taxes. You and your spouse need to sign the return before it’s filed.
If you are doing your taxes yourself, you need Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents.
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Get Help With Your Taxes And Save
IMPORTANT UPDATE
- Federal Tax Deadline is April 18, 2023.
- MA Tax Deadline is April 18, 2023.
- Agency VITA sites will operate with a combination of in person, remote and drop off as well as online procedures to keep everyone safe while optimizing service.
- Agency VITA sites are working with both those who have not filed in the past and taxpayers to access the recovery rebate credit.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help to people who generally make $60,000 or less, including persons with disabilities, the elderly 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.
VITA sites help thousands of people living with low incomes each year access tax credits that can add up to over $8,000.
VITA volunteers are trained to access the Earned Income Tax Credit and other tax credits to allow taxpayers to pay bills, cover essential needs , save and plan for the future. Community Action Agency VITA sites also are able to link taxpayers to other critical services that strengthen families.
Heres How Seniors And Retirees Can File Their Taxes For Free
IRS Tax Tip 2020-16, February 10, 2020
For taxpayers on a fixed income, every penny saved matters. Many of these are seniors and retirees who can file their taxes for free. IRS Free File provides free online tax preparation for taxpayers with income less than $69,000 a year.
Free File is one of several ways that older taxpayers can save money and file their taxes. Here are some facts about these programs to help these taxpayers determine which one fits their needs.
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Free Tax Preparation Services For Taxpayers
IRS tax volunteers are available to assist many New Jersey residents with preparing their New Jersey Income Tax returns for free at preparation sites throughout the state.
Sites are staffed by volunteers who are trained to prepare both federal and State returns. At most sites, tax returns are filed electronically, by computer, for safe, accurate, and fast processing.
There are two programs that offer free assistance:
VITA is for:
- Individuals of low- to moderate-income
- Individuals with disabilities and
- Non-English speaking taxpayers.
VITA sites also offer assistance in filing for federal and State Earned Income Tax Credits for those who qualify for these benefits. During the tax season, you can find a VITA site near you by calling the IRS at . Site information is also available online by entering your ZIP Code into the IRS Site Locator.
TCE is an AARP Tax-Aide Program, primarily for individuals 60 years of age or older. They have counselors who specialize in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues that are unique to seniors.
For an AARP TCE site near you, see Tax-Aide Program, or call the National AARP office at .
Additional Information about VITA and TCE can be found on the IRS website.
Interested in becoming a volunteer?
Find more information at:
Find A Local Tce Or Vita Tax Help Center
Use this IRS locator tool to find a TCE or VITA tax help center near you.
After entering your zip code, youll see information about nearby locations and important details like what languages are offered and whether or not youll need to make an appointment.
Covid-19 note: Call ahead to find out if help at a specific location is available in person or online. Some sites may be offering online services only.
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What To Bring To Your Local Vita Or Tce Site
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Proof of identification
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Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
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An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
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Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
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Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
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Wage and earning statements from all employers
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Interest and dividend statements from banks
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Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
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A copy of last years federal and state returns, if available
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Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
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To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
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Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
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Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
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Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable
Additional Tax Help And Resources For Seniors
While AARP and the IRS offer many free tax assistance sites across the country, there are other options out there if you need help this year.
Additional Tax Resources for Seniors
- MilTax Filing Service
- The Department of Defense provides free e-filing software known as MilTax to active-duty military personnel, as well as their spouses, dependent children and survivors. Retired and honorably discharged veterans are also eligible to use MilTax up to 180 days after their separation. MilTax is self-paced and allows you to complete and electronically file your federal taxes and up to three state tax forms. Check the Military OneSource site for more information.
- Do-It-Yourself Online Options
- Many major tax software companies offer free tax preparation software for people with simple tax returns . These packages may vary from whats available through IRS Free File. State tax returns are usually included. Check H& R Blocks free online tax filing, TaxAct, Intuits TurboTax and TaxSlayer Simply Free.
- Local Tax Help
- If you have a very complex tax situation or if youre a high-income earner, you may need to pay for tax help. Many accountants and tax professionals offer free client consultations. Some also offer senior discounts, although the markdown may be modest.
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Irs Tax Help Programs
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available to taxpayers who generally make $58,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and taxpayers who speak limited English. The IRS also offers a free Tax Counseling for the Elderly program for all taxpayers, particularly those who are age 60 and older. VITA and TCE volunteers are IRS-certified and these sites are open from February through April.
It is worth noting that there is some crossover between the TCE program and the AARP Tax-Aide program. Nonprofit organizations receive grants from the IRS to provide free tax advice to their local community members.
Since the VITA and TCE programs are provided by volunteers, availability and specific services may vary. The IRS offers many other online resources and tax help tools, including IRS Free File.
To learn more about VITA and TCE, find an open site near you, or explore other IRS tools and publications, visit the IRS website.
Aarp Tax Aide: Free Tax Preparation For Seniors
AARP Tax Aide is a free national program that provides in-person and virtual tax assistance from Feb 12 through April 15. Each site is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.
The program caters to taxpayers who are age 50 or older and those with low to moderate incomes.
However, anyone can make an appointment. You dont have to be an AARP member to get free tax help.
AARP Tax-Aide locations can help you file a variety of income tax forms and schedules, including:
To find a location near you, visit the Tax Aide Locator Tool and review a list of documents to take with you.
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Area Agencies On Aging
There are Area Agencies on Aging serving seniors in communities across the United States. AAAs offer an array of services, benefits and information to help support seniors and family caregivers. If IRS and AARP tax help appointments are limited or unavailable in your area, you may need to look into alternate sources of assistance. Try contacting your AAA to see if there are other free or low-cost tax preparation resources available in your local community.
Before showing up to any free tax preparation location, check if you need to make an appointment first. Typically, some sites offer assistance on a walk-in basis, but many are requiring pre-set appointments to ensure social distancing and other COVID-19 safety protocols are enforced. Use this handy checklist for free tax return preparation to ensure you gather and bring all necessary tax documents and information for the volunteers to help you.
Free Tax Preparation Sites
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly are both programs that assist eligible individuals in filing their local, state, and federal income tax returns for free. At both site types, IRS-certified volunteers help clients identify all of the tax credits available to them.
Even with these tools, this process can be stressful. Contact Michigan 2-1-1 for further assistance. They can help you find the nearest site and connect you with other resources!
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Homeowners And Renters Tax Credit Program
The State of Maryland provides for some relief for eligible residents in the amount they must pay toward rent or property taxes. Eligibility is based on gross household income compared with the amount paid toward the rent or property taxes. Learn more about the Homeowners and Renters Tax Credit Programs.
Expert Tips For Seniors Filing Taxes
Brad Martin
Brad Martin is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program coordinator for United Way of Southwest Alabama, where he operates three VITA sites. He has over a decade of tax preparation experience and has helped train hundreds of IRS-certified volunteers.
Every year start a folder with tax information as it arrives. Social Security statements, retirement forms and brokerage statements arrive at different times, and throughout the year you should be tracking deductible expenses such as gifts to charity and medical bills. Keeping everything in one tax folder makes it easy to find what you need come tax time.
A common misconception is that Social Security benefits aren’t taxable. In many cases they aren’t but depending on how much additional income you receive during the year, a portion of those benefits can be taxable income.
If you are married, filing a joint return with your spouse will often result in a lower tax bill than filing separate returns. This is because in many cases, filing separately means that 85 percent of your Social Security benefits are taxable, while filing jointly could actually result in paying taxes on less of that amount, or even none of it at all.
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