Where can you get your taxes done for free?
At a VITA site: the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free basic tax return preparation through volunteers at sites run by IRS partners, and its sister program TCE focuses on people 60 and older.
Sites are run by local partner organizations, and many Community Action Agencies offer tax preparation.
Who does VITA generally serve?
- People who generally make about $70,244 or less, according to the IRS. The IRS does not set a program-wide limit, and each site may set its own.
- People with disabilities.
- Taxpayers with limited English.
Some VITA sites also offer help with ITIN applications through a Certifying Acceptance Agent. Ask when you call.
What should you bring?
The IRS checklist includes:
- Original photo ID for you and your spouse; the IRS lists a national ID, a visa and a passport among the examples.
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents, or your ITIN notice. If you are applying for an ITIN, proof of foreign status.
- Birth dates for everyone on the return.
- Income forms from all employers (W-2, 1099).
- Last year's federal and state returns, if you have them.
- A blank check or your bank's routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
- If married filing jointly and e-filing, both spouses must be there to sign.
How do you find a site?
Use the IRS VITA/TCE locator on irs.gov or call 800-906-9887. In this directory, Community Action Agencies and libraries on your city's page can often point you to the nearest site; call and ask for a Spanish-speaking volunteer. Free tax help is not immigration advice, and questions about how taxes relate to an immigration case are for an attorney or accredited representative.
Common questions
- Is VITA really free?
- Yes. The IRS describes VITA and TCE as free basic tax return preparation by volunteers.
- What is the VITA phone number?
- 800-906-9887, or use the VITA/TCE locator on irs.gov.
Official sources
- IRS: Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers (irs.gov)
- IRS: Checklist for free tax return preparation (irs.gov)
Checked 2026-10-11. Rules and numbers can change; confirm with the official source.