Where to Get Free Tax Preparation Near You

1. Where to Get Free Tax Preparation Near You

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer no-cost basic tax preparation to qualifying taxpayers. Sites are commonly located in libraries, schools, community centers, neighborhood organizations, shopping areas, and other convenient locations.

2. Who Usually Qualifies for VITA or TCE?

The IRS says VITA generally focuses on people with low to moderate incomes, people with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. For the current filing season, the IRS notes that many VITA sites serve people who generally make about $70,244 or less, although the IRS does not set one program-wide income limit and individual sites may set their own.

TCE is designed particularly for taxpayers age 60 and older and often focuses on pension and retirement-related tax questions.

3. What Free Tax Help Can Include

At participating VITA and TCE sites, IRS-certified volunteers can prepare many basic federal and state tax returns. The IRS also requires volunteers to complete tax-law training and requires a quality review of returns prepared at participating sites before filing.

Services vary by site and by the certifications of the volunteers available, so some complex tax situations may not be supported.

4. What to Bring to Your Appointment

The IRS recommends bringing the documents needed to identify everyone on the return and report your income accurately. Common items include:

• Photo identification
• Social Security cards or qualifying taxpayer identification documents
• W-2, 1099, Social Security benefit, and other income statements
• Last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available
• Bank routing and account information if you want direct deposit
• Relevant childcare, health insurance, and other tax documents

5. IRS Free File Is Another No-Cost Option

If you would rather prepare your own return online, IRS Free File may be another option. For the 2026 filing season, IRS Free File Guided Tax is available to taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less. Free File Fillable Forms are also available for taxpayers who are comfortable preparing their own federal return.

Some Free File partners offer free state returns, but availability and partner eligibility rules can vary.

6. How to Find a Nearby VITA or TCE Site

Use the IRS VITA/TCE locator from the free tax preparation page to search for nearby sites. The IRS says the locator is updated regularly from February through April. Many TCE locations are operated through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.

Because appointment rules, hours, language support, and supported tax situations vary, contact the site or review its listing before making a trip.

7. Important Limits to Know

Free tax preparation does not mean every tax return can be handled at every location. Volunteer certification levels differ, and certain business, investment, rental, international, or other complex tax situations may be outside a site’s scope.

The free service also does not guarantee a refund or a particular tax result. Your return depends on your individual tax situation and the information you provide.

8. Check Current Free Tax Help Before You Go

Tax-season hours, eligibility rules, appointment availability, and online Free File partner offers can change from year to year. Review the current IRS information before visiting a site or beginning an online return.