Free Volunteer Tax Assistance: IRS-Certified Help Guide

Navigating tax season can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Volunteer tax assistance programs offer free, reliable support to millions of taxpayers, helping them file their returns accurately and access valuable credits.

What is Volunteer Tax Assistance?

Volunteer Tax Assistance is a free IRS program that helps eligible taxpayers prepare and file basic income tax returns. Through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly), IRS-certified volunteers assist low-to-moderate income individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, and non-English speakers with tax filing at no cost.

Who Can Benefit from Free Tax Assistance?

The VITA and TCE programs are designed to help a wide range of taxpayers meet their filing obligations.

VITA Services are Generally Available for:

• Low-to-moderate income individuals (typically earning $67,000 or less, though some sources mention $60,000 or $65,000 or less).
• Individuals with disabilities.
• Non-English speaking taxpayers or those with limited English proficiency.
• Military personnel.
• Senior individuals.
• Individuals who qualify for specific credits like the homestead credit or earned income credit.

TCE Services are Primarily for:

• Seniors, especially those aged 60 and older.
• Individuals seeking assistance with questions related to pensions and retirement-related issues.
• Low-to-moderate income individuals.
• Individuals with disabilities.
• Individuals qualifying for the homestead credit or earned income credit.

What Services Do Volunteer Tax Assistance Programs Provide?

VITA and TCE sites are equipped to prepare a variety of basic tax forms and support several common tax situations.

Common Forms and Situations Prepared:

• Federal Tax Forms: Form 1040 (including 1040-EZ and 1040-A), and Form 1040X (amended returns).
• State Tax Forms: Including WI Form 1 and WI homestead credit. Most state tax forms can be prepared.
• Income Statements: W-2 (wages), W-2G (gambling winnings), 1099-R (IRA distributions/pensions), SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits), 1099-INT (interest), 1099-DIV (dividends), 1099-G (unemployment/state tax refunds), 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income - limited), 1099-B (simple capital gains/losses), 1099-S (sale of home - limited).
• Credits: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, Education Credits (Form 8863, Form 1098-T), Affordable Care Act Statements (Forms 1095-A, B, or C).
• Deductions: Schedule A (Itemized Deductions - limited).
• Other: Form 2441 (Child Care Expenses), Form 8889 & HSAs.

Situations VITA/TCE Sites Typically Cannot Handle:

• Returns for individuals who are married but filing separately.
• Complex Schedule C (Profit or Loss from a Business) with losses, depreciation, or business use of home deductions.
• Complicated and Advanced Schedule D (Capital Gains and Losses).
• Schedule E (Rental Income), except for military rental income.
• Forms related to Social Security numbers (Form SS-5) or Nondeductible IRAs (Form 8606).
• Returns involving income from options trading or cryptocurrency.
• Dual Status Tax Returns or income from pass-through entities (S-Corporations, Partnerships).
• Tax returns for individuals who have declared bankruptcy.
• Complex tax issues such as those involving the "Kiddie Tax" or specific business forms like 1120, 1041, or 1065.

Why Choose Volunteer Tax Assistance?

Choosing a VITA or TCE site for your tax preparation offers numerous advantages beyond just being free.

Key Benefits Include:

1. Free and Trusted Service: Both programs offer free tax preparation and are recognized as a reliable and trusted source for filing returns.
2. IRS-Certified Volunteers: All volunteers are trained by the IRS (and often state revenue departments like the Wisconsin DOR) and must pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. They are proficient in using tax software.
3. High Accuracy Rates: The VITA program boasts a 94% accuracy rate, demonstrating a significantly lower error rate compared to many self-prepared and paid tax services.
4. Quality Review Process: Every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site undergoes a quality review check by an IRS-certified volunteer prior to filing, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
5. Confidentiality: Volunteers are required to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.
6. Access to Credits: Volunteers help taxpayers identify and claim eligible refundable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, which can significantly increase refunds and support households.
7. Financial Education: Volunteers take time to explain tax returns and common tax concepts, helping clients understand their W-2 forms, paystubs, and why their refund might differ from previous years.

How to Access Free Volunteer Tax Assistance

VITA and TCE sites are widely accessible, often located in convenient community settings.

Where to Find a Site:

Sites can be found in various community locations such as:

• Community centers.
• Libraries.
• Churches.
• Schools.
• Retirement homes.
• Shopping malls.

Most sites operate from early February through April 15th, though some may be open year-round or have specific schedules. It's always advisable to call the site beforehand to confirm its operating hours and status.

Finding a VITA/TCE Site Near You:

• VITA Sites:

• Call (800) 906-9887.
• Visit irs.gov and search for "VITA".
• Call "211" (United Way) for local sites.
• Use the IRS VITA Locator Tool.

• TCE Sites (AARP Tax-Aide):

•  Call (888) 227-7669.
• Visit aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action.
• Use the AARP Site Locator Tool.
• For Military Personnel: MilTax, offered by the Department of Defense, provides free tax assistance and filing software designed for military tax issues. Military OneSource can help locate VITA sites with military specialists.

What to Bring to Your Appointment:

To ensure a smooth and efficient process, bring the following required documents to your VITA/TCE appointment:

• Photo identification for yourself and your spouse (if filing jointly).
  
• Social Security cards or ITIN letters for you, your spouse, and all dependents listed on the return.
  
• All wage and tax statements, including Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, SSA-1099, and other 1099 forms (Interest, Dividends, Miscellaneous, etc.).
  
• Health coverage statements (Forms 1095-A, B, or C).
  
• Any other tax documents you received.
  
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of your refund.
  
• If claiming homestead credit: Copy of property tax bill or landlord-signed rent certificate, and records of any Wisconsin Works (W-2) or SSI payments.
  
• Proof of earned income if both spouses are under age 62 and not disabled.
  
• Proof of disability if under age 62 (e.g., Veteran's Administration statement, Social Security Administration document, or physician's statement).
  
• Last year's federal and state tax returns (if available, helpful but not required).
  
• Expense documents related to dependent care, education, or home mortgage interest payments.
  

Note: If filing a joint return, both spouses must be present to sign the return.

Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteer Tax Assistance

Q: How much does VITA/TCE service cost?
A: VITA and TCE services are completely free for eligible taxpayers.

Q: Who prepares the tax returns at VITA/TCE sites?
A: IRS-certified volunteers, trained and tested in tax law, prepare and review all returns.

Q: What documents do I need to bring to a VITA/TCE site?
A: Bring photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters, all W-2/1099 forms, and bank details for direct deposit. Additional documents may be needed for credits like childcare, education, or homestead.

Q: What types of tax forms can VITA/TCE prepare?
A: They handle basic federal and state returns, Form 1040, 1040X, and common income types (wages, pensions, Social Security). They cannot prepare complex business, investment, or rental property returns.

Q: Are there other free tax filing options besides VITA/TCE?
A: Yes. Options include IRS Free File, IRS Direct File (in select states), and nonprofit services like MyFreeTaxes.org.