Millions of Americans pay $200–$400 or more to have their taxes prepared every year — and most of them don’t have to. Several programs backed by the IRS and staffed by certified volunteers prepare federal and state tax returns at no charge. Others let you file online using free software. If your income is below certain thresholds, or if you’re 60 or older, there’s almost certainly a free filing option available to you.
This guide covers the main programs, who they serve, and how to find a site or file online at no cost.
VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
VITA is an IRS-sponsored program that provides free federal and state tax preparation to taxpayers who generally earn $67,000 or less (the income limit is set by the IRS each year and may vary by site). Trained, IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your return at no cost at sites located in libraries, community centers, schools, churches, and other locations.
VITA can handle most standard tax situations — W-2 income, Social Security income, retirement distributions, interest and dividend income, and common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. It typically can’t handle complex situations like rental income schedules, self-employment with significant expenses, or prior-year unfiled returns (some sites do handle these — ask).
TCE: Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) is a sister program to VITA, specifically designed for taxpayers 60 and older. TCE volunteers specialize in questions common for older adults: pension income, Social Security taxation, retirement account distributions, and RMDs. TCE sites are often run by AARP through its Tax-Aide program.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the largest free tax preparation network in the U.S., with thousands of sites at libraries, senior centers, banks, and community organizations. Despite the AARP name, you don’t need to be an AARP member or even 60 years old — the program is open to all taxpayers who need help, with a focus on low- and moderate-income filers.
Find a Tax-Aide site at aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-227-7669. Some sites offer in-person help; others offer virtual or drop-off service.
IRS Free File
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and commercial tax software companies. If your adjusted gross income (AGI) is at or below $79,000 (the 2025 threshold — the IRS adjusts this annually), you can use brand-name tax software for free through irs.gov/freefile. These are the same products sold commercially — Intuit TurboTax Free Edition, H&R Block Free Online, TaxAct, and others — offered at no charge to qualifying filers.
Each software provider has its own eligibility rules (some limit by income, age, or state). The IRS free file site walks you through a brief questionnaire to match you with the best option for your situation.
IRS Free File Fillable Forms
Free File Fillable Forms have no income limit. They’re electronic versions of IRS paper forms with basic math — not step-by-step guided software. They’re best for people who are comfortable with tax forms and don’t need a guided interview. Find them at irs.gov/freefile.
MilTax (Military Families)
MilTax is a free tax service provided by the Department of Defense for active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and veterans within 365 days of separation. It includes free tax software and access to tax professionals who specialize in military-related tax situations. Find it at militaryonesource.mil.
Credits You Don’t Want to Miss
Free tax preparation is valuable not just for the cost savings but because trained preparers catch credits that people often miss when filing on their own:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — worth up to $7,830 for families with three or more children; estimated $1 billion in EITC goes unclaimed each year
- Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit
- Premium Tax Credit — if you purchased marketplace insurance
- Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (Saver’s Credit) — for low-income savers who contribute to a retirement account
- Senior-specific deductions — higher standard deduction for those 65+, deductible medical expenses, taxable portion of Social Security
What to Bring to a VITA or Tax-Aide Appointment
- Photo ID for you (and your spouse, if filing jointly)
- Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
- All income documents: W-2s, 1099s, SSA-1099 (Social Security statement), 1099-R (retirement distributions)
- Last year’s tax return, if you have it
- Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of any refund
- Health insurance documentation: Form 1095-A if you had marketplace coverage
- Receipts for any deductions you plan to claim (medical, charitable, etc.)
How to Find a Free Tax Prep Site
- IRS VITA locator: irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep — search by zip code
- AARP Tax-Aide locator: aarpfoundation.org/taxaide
- Call 211 — the United Way helpline can connect you to free tax prep in your area
- Your local library — many host VITA or Tax-Aide sites during tax season (January through April)
Educational only. Income limits, site availability, and program offerings vary by year and location. Confirm current details at irs.gov/vita or aarpfoundation.org/taxaide before planning your visit.