Eligibility for Free Tax Preparation
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
What is Free Tax Preparation?
There are many free tax preparation options available. Each program and service has different eligibility options and must be verified individually for qualifications. However, on average, households with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $66,000 or less may qualify for free tax preparation and filing. Eligibility criteria can change from year to year, so check the options for eligibility with the service you choose prior to utilizing, and always be sure to check http://irs.gov.
3.6 Million
Number of tax returns prepared by volunteers in 2017, providing over $4 billion in refunds.
$273
Average savings for a taxpayer as a result of accessing free tax preparation.
What is Free Tax Preparation?
There are many free tax preparation options available. Each program and service has different eligibility options and must be verified individually for qualifications. However, on average, households with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $66,000 or less will qualify for free tax preparation and filing. Eligibility criteria can change from year to year, so check the options for eligibility with the service you choose prior to utilizing, and always be sure to check http://irs.gov.
3.6 Million
Number of tax returns prepared by volunteers in 2017, providing over $4 billion in refunds.
$273
Average savings for a taxpayer as a result of accessing free tax preparation.
Free Tax Preparation Options
The IRS, in conjunction with a variety of nonprofit organizations and tax software vendors, provide free tax preparation services to qualifying taxpayers. Free Tax Preparation options include e-filing with direct deposit of refunds – the fastest, most secure way for taxpayers to file their return and receive refunds.
Using this free tax preparation option, taxpayers use a do-it-yourself model to prepare their own returns with the assistance of a certified volunteer and self-preparation software. Assistance may be provided via tax coach, helpline or online chat services.
MyFreeTaxes provides self-paced, step-by-step guidance to file tax returns online.
Freefile is available in two formats:
- FreeFile software – Self-paced, step-by-step guidance to file tax returns online.
- FreeFile fillable forms – Fillable forms for tax filers to complete their taxes and e-file.
Eligible taxpayers can visit designated locations to have their taxes prepared and filed, on-site, free of charge.
To find a local site providing services in your local community visit:
Programs in your local community may include:
- VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance: Generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country.
- AARP Tax Aide: The AARP Foundation runs the Tax-Aide program, which provides free assistance with tax preparation at more that 5,000 locations nationwide.
- TCE – Tax Counseling for the Elderly: Majority of the TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide Program
- Virtual VITA: Uses same process as traditional VITA/TCE except the preparer and taxpayer are not face to face. Technology is used to connect the certified volunteer tax preparer with the taxpayer and technology includes internet, fax, and video.
What is the EITC and who is eligible?
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the federal and state income tax credit available to low- and moderate-income (LMI) working families and individuals. Often called the nation’s best, long-term economic stimulus program, EITC gives working families the boost they need to make rent or mortgage payments, buy needed food, medicine and other essentials, improve their quality of life and contribute to the economy. To claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, a tax return must be filed with the IRS with proper documentation.
Free Tax Preparation Services
Veterans
Free tax preparation expands services provided to veterans, transitioning military and their families.
People with Disabilities
Free tax preparation introduces financial education to the disability community both nationally and locally.
Job Seekers
Free tax preparation expands services in organizations who help job seekers in an easy and cost-effective way.
Questions?
National Disability Institute works to improve the financial health and well-being of people across the spectrum of disability.
If you have questions or want more information about our projects, please call (202) 296-2040 or email info@ndi-inc.org.
