Schools, nonprofits, libraries, and other community organizations help connect residents with free tax preparation through two nationwide programs: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, or TCE.
In an October announcement, the IRS said more than 84,500 volunteers helped prepare nearly 2.9 million returns at no cost in 2026. The agency is seeking volunteers and community partners for the upcoming filing season.
Who the programs serve
VITA provides free basic tax preparation for qualifying individuals, including people with lower incomes, taxpayers with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency.
TCE focuses particularly on taxpayers age 60 and older, including questions about pensions and retirement.
Services and eligibility can vary by location. Families should check with a participating site before making plans.
Volunteers receive training
Prior tax experience isn't required to express interest in volunteering. The IRS provides free training, and roles depend on participants’ skills, interests, and available time.
Some sites may offer flexible schedules or virtual opportunities. The IRS encourages volunteer sign-ups from October through January.
Volunteers preparing returns must complete tax-law training and certification. The programs also require a quality review of each prepared return before filing and training on taxpayer privacy.
Organizations can help expand access
Community partners can host or sponsor sites. The IRS identifies nonprofits, schools, financial institutions, and faith-based organizations among participating hosts.
Organizations interested in partnering can submit the IRS volunteer and partner interest form. An IRS relationship manager will contact prospective partners about next steps.
Finding help during filing season
Taxpayers can use the IRS VITA/TCE locator or the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide locator to find participating locations.
Before visiting, confirm the site’s schedule, available services, and required documents. A site may not be able to handle every type of return.
The IRS’s free tax preparation resource page provides links to location searches and preparation information.
Interested in volunteering or hosting a site? Start with the IRS announcement and sign-up resources.
Source: Internal Revenue Service.