Free Tax Help from IRS VITA Program

Introduction

Tax season can be stressful — especially if you’re worried about making mistakes or can’t afford a tax preparer. But there’s good news: you may be able to get free, IRS-certified help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA offers reliable, in-person or virtual tax help for those who qualify — no hidden fees, no scams, just real support.

Need help applying? Use our free checklist to find out what you qualify for.

What Is the VITA Program?

VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, a program run by the IRS to help people prepare and file basic tax returns for free.

Trained and certified volunteers assist with:

Federal and state tax returns
Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Filing for the Child Tax Credit (CTC)
E-filing for faster refunds
Answering questions about deductions and credits

Services are available in English and Spanish at most locations.

Who Qualifies for Free Tax Help?

VITA services are available to:

People who generally make $64,000 or less per year
Persons with disabilities
Limited English-speaking taxpayers
Older adults (through TCE, a related program for seniors)

Even if you worked part-time or only had unemployment income, you may still qualify — and it’s worth it to file because of refundable credits.

How to Find a VITA Location

Here’s how to get free tax help:

Use the IRS VITA locator tool: irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep
Or call 1-800-906-9887 to find a site near you
Schedule an appointment or check walk-in hours
Bring documents: ID, Social Security cards, W-2s, 1099s, and last year’s return

Some locations offer drop-off service or virtual appointments depending on staffing.

Tips for Tax Season

File early: Get your refund faster and avoid last-minute issues
Ask about credits: Many people miss out on EITC or CTC simply because they don’t know they qualify
Bring all income documents: Even small side jobs or gig work count

💡 Tip: VITA volunteers are trained by the IRS every year — they’re more reliable than pop-up tax chains or paid preparers who may charge hidden fees.

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