Find Free Tax Prep Help Near You
Online and in-person options from AARP, IRS and more
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En español | The Internal Revenue Service began accepting 2021 returns on Jan. 24. If you need assistance figuring out the often-complex tax rules, you can take advantage of free preparation and advice from AARP Foundation, the IRS, volunteer organizations and some commercial tax advisors. Here’s where to get help.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
The program provides in-person and virtual tax assistance from Feb 1 through April 18 to anyone free of charge with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low to moderate income. You don’t have to be an AARP member. “All of our tax preparations are done by trained volunteers who must complete training and pass IRS certification annually to assist in tax preparation,” says Lynnette Lee-Villanueva, vice president for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. This year, tax assistance is available by appointment only, and available options can change on short notice based on COVID-19 conditions. Check the Tax-Aide Site Locator for locations.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
A federal grant program provides tax preparation assistance, particularly to those 60 and older from IRS-certified volunteers. (Most TCE sites are operated by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.) For more information, call 888-227-7669 toll-free or check online.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Under another federal grant program, IRS-certified VITA volunteers provide tax-preparation services to people who generally have income of $56,000 or less, as well as those with disabilities or limited English language skills. Call 800-906-9887 to find a nearby VITA site. Online assistance is also available.
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IRS Free File
About 70 percent of taxpayers are eligible to file federal tax returns online through IRS Free File, which connects single filers and families with annual income of $72,000 or less to free filing software from select partners like TaxAct and TurboTax. To browse options and confirm your eligibility, visit Free File Software Offers page.
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs)
Help is also available at local IRS offices that host a Taxpayer Assistance Center. All TACs now operate by appointment; services may vary by office. Check the IRS site to find a location near you.
MilTax Filing Service
A Department of Defense-funded program (Military OneSource) provides e-filing software to active duty military personnel and select others, including spouses, dependent children and survivors. Consultants are available to provide 24/7 phone assistance at 800-342-9647. Check the Military OneSource site for more information.
Do-it-yourself online options
Several for-profit tax providers offer online filing tools, including no-cost filing for federal 1040 and sometimes state returns (those with complex filing needs, like freelancers or business owners, typically need to pay for upgraded versions of these tools). Check H&R Block’s free online tax filing, Intuit’s TurboTax, Credit Karma Tax, TaxAct and TaxSlayer Simply Free.
Your local tax professional
The National Society of Accountants says nearly 90 percent of accountants and tax prep professionals offer free client consultation and can help you decide if it makes sense for you to file on your own.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on Jan. 26, 2018. It has been updated with 2022 filing dates and figures for 2021 tax returns.
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