Where Can Seniors Get Free Taxes Done?

Navigating the annual tax filing process can be stressful, particularly for seniors on a fixed income, and the cost of professional tax preparation can be a barrier. Fortunately, several reliable programs supported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are designed to provide free assistance. These services help ensure that seniors can file their taxes accurately and receive all the credits and deductions they are entitled to.

IRS Sponsored In-Person Programs

The IRS sponsors two primary volunteer-based programs that provide free, in-person tax preparation assistance to eligible taxpayers, with a focus on the senior community. The first is Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), which offers free tax help from IRS-certified volunteers. The TCE program gives priority to those who are 60 years of age and older and specializes in addressing questions about pensions and retirement-related financial matters.

A major component of the TCE program is the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service. As the largest provider within the TCE network, Tax-Aide operates thousands of sites nationwide, often in accessible locations like libraries and community centers. AARP membership is not a requirement to use this free service.

The second program is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA sites primarily serve individuals who make $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. Many VITA sites are also designated as TCE sites, meaning their volunteers are well-equipped to handle tax situations common to older adults. All volunteers in both programs must pass tax law training that meets IRS standards, and every return prepared at a site undergoes a quality review before it is filed.

These programs are equipped to handle most common tax returns, such as those involving wages, interest, dividends, and Social Security benefits. However, their scope is limited to simpler returns. Volunteers cannot prepare returns that involve complex issues like rental income, business income with expenses over $35,000, or complicated capital gains and losses.

Finding a Local Tax Help Site

To locate a service site, the IRS provides an online tool, the VITA/TCE Locator, which allows you to find a nearby location by entering your zip code. This tool is updated regularly between February and April. For individuals who prefer not to use the internet, the IRS also operates a toll-free phone line at 800-906-9887 to help find local sites.

Because the AARP Foundation operates the majority of TCE sites, it also maintains its own dedicated locator tool. You can access the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Site Locator online or call their specific toll-free number at 888-227-7669 for information and to find a location.

Beyond these tools, free tax preparation events are commonly hosted at community hubs. Local libraries, senior centers, places of worship, and other community-oriented organizations frequently serve as host locations for VITA and TCE programs during the tax season.

Required Information and Documents

To ensure a smooth appointment, it is important to gather all necessary paperwork beforehand. Volunteer preparers will need specific information to accurately complete your tax return.

You must bring a valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, for yourself and your spouse if filing a joint return. Social Security cards are required for every individual who will be listed on the tax return, including the taxpayer, spouse, and any dependents.

You will need to provide all documents that show your income for the year. This commonly includes Form SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits and Form 1099-R for distributions from pensions or IRAs. Other relevant forms may include W-2s from employment and various 1099 forms for income like interest or dividends.

You should also bring records of relevant expenses, such as documentation of medical expenses, receipts for charitable contributions, and property tax bills. A copy of the previous year’s federal and state tax returns is highly recommended. For those expecting a refund, bringing a check or bank document showing your routing and account numbers will allow for direct deposit.

Online Free Filing Options

For seniors who are comfortable using a computer, there are online options for filing taxes for free. The IRS Free File Guided Tax Software program is a partnership between the IRS and several tax software companies that provides free, user-friendly online tax preparation and filing. For the 2024 tax year, you are eligible for the guided software if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was $84,000 or less. The software uses an interview-style format, asking simple questions and automatically completing the correct tax forms based on your answers.

This guided process helps ensure accuracy and that you claim all the credits and deductions you are entitled to. You can access this service directly through the IRS website, which provides a portal to choose from the participating software providers.

For individuals whose income exceeds the AGI limit, the IRS offers another option called Free File Fillable Forms. This service provides electronic versions of federal paper tax forms. While there is no income restriction, this option offers only basic calculations and very limited guidance. It is best suited for taxpayers who are confident in their ability to prepare their own taxes without assistance.