Free Tax Preparation for Seniors
IRS Sponsors Programs at AARP and Other Local Sites
Elderly taxpayers (over age 60) qualify for free tax assistance at local sites across the U.S.
Free tax assistance is available to senior citizens via the IRS-sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. Through the TCE program, the IRS partners with local community organizations and groups across the United States to offer free tax prep for seniors. TCE sites are manned by volunteers, often retired individuals who are associated with local nonprofit organizations. The IRS supports the program through grants that reimburse volunteers for expenses.
Who Qualifies for Free Tax Assistance through TCE?
Tax Counseling for the Elderly caters primarily to individuals who are age 60 or older. However, the IRS does not set specific eligibility rules for free tax assistance through the TCE program, so taxpayers should inquire at each local site regarding that site’s eligibility criteria. Select TCE sites may also offer free assistance to younger taxpayers as volunteer time permits.
A major partner in the TCE program is the AARP. According to the IRS, the AARP’s program, called AARP Tax-Aide, offers free tax preparation at thousands of sites around the country. Per the AARP Tax-Aide website, this program serves “low- and middle-income taxpayers with special attention to those ages 60 and older.”
What Tax Forms Will They Prepare for Free?
Volunteers can prepare Form 1040, Form 1040A, Form 1040EZ, Form 1040, Schedule A&B, and Form 1040, Schedule D. To ensure the volunteer has enough information to prepare a tax return, the IRS recommends that taxpayers bring along basic tax information, such as the items listed in the "Free Tax Preparation Program" article.
How to Find a TCE Partner Site
Taxpayers may call 1-800-829-1040 to find locations and operation hours of local TCE sites. Senior citizens may call the same number or the AARP Tax-Aide hotline at 1-888-227-7669 to locate the closest AARP site. Additionally, a list of AARP tax preparation sites can be searched by zip code on the AARP Tax-Aide website.
According to the AARP Tax-Aide website, local sites are open from February 1 through April 15th during each tax season.
More Free Tax Help Is Available
IRS-sponsored tax assistance programs are not only available to senior citizens. Those with low or moderate income levels (generally under $40,000) are eligible for free tax preparation under the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Sources: IRS Website and AARP Tax-Aide Website
