Get free in-person tax help from IRS-certified volunteers

Free tax help from trained volunteers: VITA, TCE and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. Who qualifies, what to bring, and how to avoid fake preparers.

⏱ About 10 minutes · 6 steps
What you'll need
  • Your tax papers (W-2s, 1099s)
  • Photo ID and Social Security cards
  • About 10 minutes to find a site and book

  1. See if you qualify

    The IRS runs two free programs staffed by IRS-certified volunteers: VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly).

    ProgramWho it's forCost
    VITAPeople who generally make about $70,244 or less, people with disabilities, and limited-English speakersFree
    TCEMainly people 60 and older; volunteers know pensions and retirement questionsFree
    AARP Foundation Tax-AideAnyone, with a focus on people 50+ with low to moderate income. You don't need to be an AARP memberFree
    MilTaxService members, some veterans and their families (online software and tax consultants)Free

    Volunteers do basic returns. Very complex returns (for example big rental or business filings) may be outside what they can help with; the site will tell you.

    IRS web page titled Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers, listing who VITA helps
    The official IRS page explains VITA and TCE. Screenshot of the official page, October 2026. It may look a little different now.

  2. Find a site near you

    1. Open the IRS VITA/TCE site locator and type your ZIP code, or call the IRS at 800-906-9887. You can also dial 211.
    2. For AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, use the locator on aarp.org/taxaide or call 888-227-7669.
    3. Check the site's days, hours, languages and whether you need an appointment.

    💡 Tip: Most sites run during tax season, roughly late January to mid-April. In the fall the locators may show few or no sites; check again in January.

  3. Gather what to bring

    Use the IRS checklist for free tax return preparation. The basics:

    Checklist: photo ID, Social Security cards, W-2 and 1099 forms, last year's return, bank numbers for direct deposit
    What to bring to a free tax site.

    Filing jointly and e-filing? Usually both spouses need to be there to sign.

  4. At the visit

    • A volunteer prepares your return with you and a second person quality-reviews it.
    • Read the return before you sign it. Check your name, Social Security number and bank numbers.
    • Ask for a copy of your return for your records.

  5. Know the other free option

    Comfortable doing it yourself? IRS Free File lets you file your federal return free online if your adjusted gross income is $95,000 or less (the limit the IRS lists now; Free File reopens in January 2027). See our free tax filing guide for details.

  6. Avoid fake and "ghost" preparers

    ⚠️ Watch out: Free volunteer sites never charge you, never take a cut of your refund and never ask you to sign a blank return. The IRS warns about ghost preparers who won't sign the return they prepare. Find sites only through irs.gov or aarp.org, not through texts, social media ads or flyers promising a "bigger refund".

🎉 All done! You know where to get free, trustworthy tax help. If you don't qualify, IRS Free File or a paid preparer with a PTIN who signs your return are the next steps.

Related game: Scam or Legit?. Related explainer: What is phishing, and how do I spot it? .

Official help pages

Steps checked against these pages in October 2026. If a button looks different, look for a similar label.