Preparing taxes on your own can be complicated, especially with ever-changing tax laws. Getting help from an expert can make filing your return on time easier and ensure you’re maximizing your tax benefits.
But you don’t always need to pay for tax help. Several federal programs, local resources and nonprofit organizations provide free tax help from trained staff or volunteers.
Here are 12 resources for free tax help.
1. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
The IRS manages the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, which has been around for more than 50 years and is staffed by volunteers who are trained to provide basic tax preparation help.
The program is available to people who earn $67,000 or less, have a disability or have limited English-speaking skills.
VITA sites are located at community centers, libraries, schools, colleges and local nonprofit organizations. To find a program near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
2. Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program, which is also managed by the IRS and staffed by volunteers, provides free tax help primarily for taxpayers who are 60 and older. Volunteers are trained to help with questions about pensions, Social Security, disability and other government programs for older taxpayers.
TCEs are also offered at community centers, schools and senior centers. To find TCE programs in your area, visit the IRS Get Free Tax Help page.
[Read: How to File Taxes for Free.]
3. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, which has been helping taxpayers since 1968, offers free tax preparation help to anyone, but focuses primarily on people who are 50 and older or have low to moderate incomes.
You can meet with IRS-certified volunteers in person or virtually, or you can drop off your tax documents and work with a volunteer to finalize your return.
The Tax-Aide program also has coaches to help you prepare your own return. You can find AARP Foundation Tax-Aide locations and more information by visiting the Tax-Aide Locator and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site.
AARP also offers free software so you can prepare your own taxes with the assistance of one of their IRS-certified volunteer coaches.
4. IRS Website
The IRS website is filled with information about tax filing, credits, deductions, tax forms and instructions. It also features a tool you can use to check on your refund and get other information to help you file your return. The Interactive Tax Assistant makes it easy to search for resources on the website.
5. Internal Revenue Service Helpline
You can also call the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040 with your tax questions. Be aware, though, that you may have to wait for a representative for longer than you may want, due to recent IRS layoffs.
Visit the IRS Let Us Help You page for more information about contacting the IRS and other resources.
[Read: Trump’s IRS Layoffs and Your Taxes]
6. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers
If you can’t get the IRS to answer certain questions online or over the phone, consider going to an IRS taxpayer assistance center.
You can set up an appointment at a local IRS office to get help with tax questions and issues. Use the Taxpayer Assistance Center Office Locator to find the nearest office and check out its available services.
7. Your State Tax Office
Your state department of revenue or taxation can help with questions about state taxes. Most of these websites have forms and instructions, information guides, contact information for taxpayer services and other resources.
See the Federation of Tax Administrators‘ state tax agencies guide for resources in your state.
8. Taxpayer Advocate Service
If you have a tax issue you can’t resolve with the IRS, you may want to contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service an independent organization within the IRS created to help protect taxpayers’ rights.
The TAS primarily helps people with IRS system issues, financial hardship, and fair and equitable treatment concerns. See the TAS qualifier tool to find out if the organization can help with your tax issue. The TAS has offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The TAS website is also filled with helpful resources, such as a tool to look up information about notices you may receive from the IRS, details about your rights and clear explanations regarding tax credits, law changes, and filing issues and errors.
[Read: Answers to 15 Common Tax Questions]
9. Low Income Taxpayer Clinics
Low Income Tax Clinics help taxpayers below certain income thresholds resolve disputes with the IRS. The amount in dispute is usually less than $50,000.
The website shows a chart outlining state-specific income limits as well as more information about eligibility and assistance.
LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals and tax collection disputes for free or a small fee. Staff members can also answer questions about responding to IRS notices and help those who speak English as a second language understand their taxpayer rights.
10. MilTax Program
The MilTax program is a free tax-filing and support service from the U.S. Department of Defense available to service members and qualifying veterans and family members.
Military families have special tax issues that are different from those of civilians, such as a tax-free housing allowance, tax-free income in a combat zone, higher Thrift Savings Plan contribution limits when deployed and special rules about state income taxes while on active duty. It can help to work with a program or expert who specializes in military tax rules.
MilTax offers tax preparation help and specialized tax-filing software. Professional consultants are available year-round to answer tax questions.
11. IRS Free File and Other Online Programs
The IRS also offers Free File software for people who have an Adjusted Gross Income, or AG, of $84,000 or less. These programs will guide you through the process and do the math for you, making it easy to prepare and file your return online.
The IRS also offers the Direct File program, currently available in 25 states. With it you’ll be able to file your taxes for free directly with the IRS.
Some private tax services, such as TurboTax and H&R Block, also offer free programs and access to expert advice that aren’t based on income if you have a simple return.
12. Your Local Library or Community Center
You may have several local resources that can help you with taxes. Public libraries, community centers and senior centers often hold tax preparation workshops or seminars, and volunteers may be available to help.
For example, Chicago Public Library offers free tax assistance through its Ladder Up tax prep clinic for households that earned up to $67,000 or individuals who earned up to $35,000 in 2024.
Each area is different, so check with your local organization to see what is available.
Take Advantage of Available Programs and Services
There’s no need to worry about preparing your taxes. Plenty of free help is available. Take advantage of the appropriate program and service so you can submit your paperwork accurately and on time. Not only will you feel better about the process, but it can help you avoid unnecessary fees, interest, and penalties for filing and paying late.
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How to Get Free Help With Your Taxes originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 04/03/25: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
