IRS’ Free Tax Preparation Help

Last updated on February 21, 2022

The tax filing season has arrived and taxpayers are busy calculating their taxes and refund, and preparing their tax returns. Since U.S. tax laws are complex, most taxpayers hire tax preparers to file their taxes, but there are taxpayers who do not have the financial ability to hire a tax preparer. For them, the IRS provides free tax help through the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) center.

Taxpayers who make $51,000 or less annually can visit any VITA site in their city and have their tax return prepared by an IRS-certified tax professional. Those who are 60 years old or older may visit a TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) site. Taxpayers must bring the following information with them to have their tax return prepared at VITA or TCE:

• Proof of identification  with a photograph ID.
• Social Security Cards for all claimed, or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration, or
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter.
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN.
• Birth date information.
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc from all employers.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).
• Copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.
• Proof of bank account routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit, such as a blank check.
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Bringing this information along will help taxpayers get their tax return prepared quickly. They may also find help filing their tax return online if they do not have access to a computer at both sites.