Who qualifies for VITA?
VITA generally serves people who earn at or below an income threshold set by the IRS, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. The income threshold has been in the range of the high $60,000s in recent seasons, but you should check the current figure with the IRS and your local site because it can change each year and sites may apply it differently.
Who qualifies for TCE?
TCE provides free help to everyone, with priority for people age 60 and older, and specializes in pensions and retirement-related issues. Many TCE sites are run by AARP Foundation volunteers; check availability locally.
What VITA volunteers can help with
- Standard W-2 wage returns.
- Common credits such as the EITC and child tax credit.
- Basic interest, dividend and retirement income.
- Some education credits and other common situations.
VITA volunteers are trained for fairly common situations and are certified each year. Sites decide what they can handle; very complicated returns (for example, complex business or rental income or certain foreign income) may be outside their scope.
How to find a site
Use the IRS VITA/TCE locator on IRS.gov, which lets you search by ZIP code. You can also call the IRS or dial 211 for community resources. Many sites are seasonal, running roughly from late January through mid-April, and some offer virtual or drop-off options. Appointments are common, so make one early.
What to bring
Bring photo ID for you (and your spouse), Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return, all income forms (W-2, 1099), last year’s return if you have it, bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit, childcare provider information, and any health coverage forms. Our printable document checklist covers the details. Both spouses usually must be present to sign a joint return.
What it costs
VITA and TCE tax preparation is free. Be cautious about any site that charges fees for preparation or asks for a share of your refund. A legitimate VITA site will not.
Why use VITA instead of software?
Some people prefer a person to review credits and filing status, and VITA returns go through a quality review. Volunteers can also check that you are claiming credits you are entitled to. The trade-off is scheduling and limits on complexity.
Limitations
- Not every site handles every situation.
- Volunteers are not licensed professionals giving legal advice, and they follow IRS site policies.
- Capacity can be limited near the deadline.
If a VITA site cannot handle your return, see our free filing guide for other options.
Frequently asked questions
Is VITA really free?
Yes. VITA and TCE prepare eligible returns for free. Be suspicious of any site claiming to be VITA that charges a fee.
Do I need an appointment?
Often yes, especially in the weeks before the deadline. Check the locator and call ahead.
Can VITA file my taxes if I’m self-employed?
Some sites can handle simple self-employment returns, and many cannot. Ask when you book.
Official sources
General information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax figures change every year; verify the current numbers at IRS.gov or with a qualified professional. Read the full disclaimer.