What tax help is available to seniors
If you are a senior with a modest income, you may be able to get your taxes prepared for free through programs run by the IRS and nonprofit organizations. The largest program is the Volunteer Income Tax information (VITA) program, which pairs you with a trained volunteer who prepares your return at no cost. A second program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), focuses specifically on seniors and offers both tax preparation and help understanding tax issues that affect people over 60.
Both programs are free. You do not pay the volunteer, and there is no hidden cost. The IRS funds these programs to make sure people with lower incomes can file their taxes without paying a tax preparer. AARP runs the largest TCE site in the country, with volunteers in most states.
If your income is higher or your situation is complex, you may need a paid tax professional. But if you earned less than a certain amount last year — the threshold changes yearly — you likely may have access to for free help.
Key Takeaways
- VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly are two free IRS programs that prepare taxes for seniors and people with lower incomes.
- AARP runs the largest Tax Counseling for the Elderly program in the country, with sites in most states that you can find through the IRS locator.
- You will need documents like your Social Security card, photo ID, last year's tax return, and records of income and deductions when you visit.
- Both programs can help you understand tax credits you may have missed, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or property tax deductions.
- If you cannot leave your home, some VITA and TCE sites offer preparation by phone or video, and some volunteers will visit you.
How to find a VITA or Tax Counseling for the Elderly site near you
The IRS maintains a locator tool on its website at irs.gov/vita. Enter your ZIP code, and the tool will show you every VITA and TCE site within a reasonable distance. The results include the address, phone number, hours, and whether the site offers in-person, phone, or video appointments.
Many sites require you to call ahead or book an appointment online rather than walk in. Some sites are open only during tax season (January through April), while others stay open year-round. The locator tells you when each site is open.
If you cannot find a site near you or prefer to start by phone, you can call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887 and ask for the VITA or TCE site closest to your home. The IRS can also tell you whether any sites in your area offer remote help by phone or video.
What documents to bring to your appointment
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your last year's tax return if you have one. The volunteer will use these to verify your identity and understand your tax situation.
You will also need documents that show your income: W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms from banks or investment accounts, Social Security benefit statements, pension statements, or records of self-employment income. Bring receipts or records for any deductions you plan to claim, such as property taxes, charitable donations, or medical expenses.
If you are claiming a dependent, bring their Social Security number and birth certificate. If you paid for childcare or an adult dependent's care, bring the name, address, and tax ID of the person or facility you paid.
The volunteer will ask questions about your situation and tell you what else you need. It is better to bring more documents than you think you need than to make a second trip.
Tax credits and deductions seniors often miss
Seniors frequently overlook credits and deductions that lower their tax bill. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to people with lower incomes, including seniors who still work part-time. The Saver's Credit helps people over 50 who save for retirement. If you contributed to a traditional or Roth IRA, you may may have access to.
The Property Tax Deduction or Property Tax Credit is available in many states to seniors who own their home. The rules vary by state, but you may be able to deduct property taxes you paid or receive a credit that lowers your state income tax. A VITA or TCE volunteer can tell you whether your state offers this and whether you may have access to.
If you paid medical expenses that were not covered by insurance, you may be able to deduct them if they exceeded a certain percentage of your income. The Credit for the Elderly and Disabled is another credit many seniors do not know about. A volunteer can review your situation and identify credits and deductions you may have missed in past years.
What to do if you cannot leave your home
Many VITA and TCE sites now offer preparation by phone or video. When you search the IRS locator, look for sites that list "virtual" or "remote" as an option. You will still need to gather your documents, but you can stay home and work with the volunteer over the phone or through a video call.
Some VITA and TCE volunteers will also visit you at home if you are homebound or have mobility issues. Call the site directly and explain your situation. They will tell you whether a home visit is an option and how to schedule one.
If you live in a rural area where no site is nearby, the IRS can sometimes connect you with a volunteer who will work with you by mail. You send your documents to the volunteer, they prepare your return, and you sign and file it. This takes longer than an in-person visit, but it is still free.
How the volunteer prepares your return
When you meet with the volunteer, they will ask you questions about your income, deductions, dependents, and life changes during the year. They will enter this information into tax software and prepare your return on the spot. You will see the return before it is filed and have a chance to ask questions or make changes.
The volunteer will explain what each section of the return means and why certain deductions or credits explore to you. They can also answer questions about tax issues that affect seniors, such as how Social Security benefits are taxed or what happens to your taxes when you turn 65.
Once you approve the return, the volunteer will file it electronically with the IRS. You will receive a confirmation number. The IRS will send you a notice if there are any problems, but most returns are accepted without issue. If you are owed a refund, you can choose to have it deposited directly into your bank account, which is faster than waiting for a check.
When to seek help from a paid tax professional
If your income is above the VITA and TCE income limits, or if your tax situation is complex — for example, you own a business, have rental income, or are dealing with a major life change like a divorce or inheritance — you may need a paid tax professional. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA) can handle complicated returns.
Before you hire someone, ask about their fees upfront and whether they offer a free initial consultation. Some tax preparers charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee per return. Make sure you understand the total cost before you agree to work with them.
If you used a paid preparer in the past and were happy with them, you can continue working with them. But if you are looking for someone new, ask friends or family for recommendations, or contact your state's CPA society or the National Association of Enrolled Agents for a referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
What income limit do I have to meet to use VITA or Tax Counseling for the Elderly?
The income limit changes each year. For 2024, VITA generally serves people who earned less than $64,000. Tax Counseling for the Elderly serves seniors over 60 with modest incomes, usually under $60,000, though the exact limit varies by state. When you call or visit a site, ask whether your income qualifies. The IRS locator also lists the income limit for each site.
Can I get help if I did not file taxes last year?
Yes. VITA and TCE volunteers can help you file back taxes if you did not file in previous years. Bring documents from the years you did not file. Filing back taxes can sometimes result in a refund, even if you did not think you owed anything. A volunteer can explain what you owe and help you catch up.
What if I made a mistake on a tax return I already filed?
You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. VITA and TCE volunteers can help you prepare an amended return if you meet their income limits. You will need the original return and documents showing what was wrong. The IRS usually takes longer to process amended returns, so file as soon as you notice the error.
Do I have to file taxes if I am retired and only receive Social Security?
It depends on how much Social Security you received and whether you had other income. If Social Security was your only income and it was below a certain amount, you may not have to file. However, filing can sometimes result in a refund or let you claim a credit. A VITA or TCE volunteer can tell you whether you need to file based on your specific situation.
Can VITA or Tax Counseling for the Elderly help me with state taxes?
Yes. Most VITA and TCE volunteers prepare both federal and state returns at no cost. Some sites in states with no income tax prepare only federal returns. When you search for a site, the locator will tell you whether state returns are included.