Prepare your taxes for FREE by yourself or with a little help

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by adawds

The article explains how eligible taxpayers can prepare and e-file federal tax returns for free using IRS-supported options. It describes Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites where IRS-certified volunteers help complete returns, as well as self-help services offered through partners in convenient community locations. It also outlines IRS Free File, available for qualifying incomes and including software or online fillable forms, and encourages tracking refunds through Where’s My Refund? within 24 hours after filing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Free options for IRS tax preparation

Volunteer help at VITA and TCE sites

Self-help return preparation through partners

IRS Free File for home preparation

Refund tracking and next steps

Sample article for organizations to use to reach your customers (388 word count) Post the following article on your websites and/or use in other communication vehicles to tell your customers about IRS Free File and Self Preparation Tax sites. Prepare your taxes for FREE by yourself or with a little help For decades, millions of taxpayers have visited Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly locations to get their taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified volunteers. At these sites, volunteers stand ready to prepare your tax return or help you prepare your own return. This year, there are more free options to choose from when completing your tax returns. Some of these VITA and TCE sites now have self-help services through partners who offer free return preparation. If you earned up to $57,000, you can prepare and e-file your own tax return using free tax software provided at these sites and, if you have any questions, an IRS-certified volunteer can guide you through the process. These self-help sites are usually located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. To find one near you go to Find a Location for Free Tax Prep. IRS Free File is also an option and it’s easier to use than you think! You may opt to use IRS Free File if you meet the income threshold and want to prepare your own return in the comfort of your home. Fifteen of the leading tax software companies work in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service to make these products available for free. Some offer state returns for free or for a fee. If you earned $57,000 or less, you are eligible to use the software products. Or you may use the online fillable forms which have no income limitations. Either way, you can prepare, print and e-file your federal returns—all for free. To find out how, visit the Free File site on [IRS.gov](IRS.gov). If you are getting a refund, remember that the best way to keep track of it is through Where’s My Refund? on [IRS.gov. You](IRS.gov. You) can begin checking on your refund status within 24 hours after the IRS receives your return. The IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days last year. The same results are expected in 2013. But it’s important to remember that even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, it’s possible your tax return may require additional review that may take longer to process. Visit [IRS.gov](IRS.gov) this tax season and see which services are right for you. References: Free Tax Preparation for You by Volunteers-[http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return](http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return)Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers Find a Location for Free Tax Prep-[http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Find-a-Location-for-Free-Tax-Prep](http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Find-a-Location-for-Free-Tax-Prep) Free File: Do Your Federal Taxes for Free-[http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes](http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes)for-Free Multimedia: YouTube – Do-It-Yourself Free Tax Preparation-[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ESO1dqip0](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26ESO1dqip0)

FAQs

What free help is available at VITA and TCE sites?

VITA and TCE locations provide free tax return preparation or guidance from IRS-certified volunteers to help you prepare your own return.

How do self-help services through partners work?

Some VITA and TCE sites offer self-help services through partners, letting eligible taxpayers prepare and e-file with free tax software while an IRS-certified volunteer can guide if questions come up.

What is IRS Free File and who can use it?

IRS Free File is an option for qualifying incomes to prepare federal returns for free using participating tax software or online fillable forms without income limits.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by adawds