Free tax return preparation

Getting assistance with your taxes does not have to cost you a dime. If you made less than $50,000 last year, check out the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

The program is sponsored by the IRS and it’s run by IRS-certified volunteers who go through tax training to prepare and file your taxes. Many volunteers also receive training that allows them to help filers in their specific states.

Note that many tax preparation services will file your return for free, but will charge you to prepare them.

There are VITA program locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia! The centers can be found at some local libraries, schools, and community centers among other places. My alma mater has a center on site that allows accounting students to help. To find the nearest VITA location, check out the IRS website.

Different locations offer diverse services. Some provide help with filing tax returns for previous years, amending tax returns, or filing more complicated taxes where you need to itemize deductions. You can also get help with both state and federal tax returns. Make sure to call ahead to inquire if that location offers the help you need.

Another option to get help with preparing and filing taxes is the TCE Program. This program extended help to all, but the priority is for those who are 60 years of age or older. According to the IRS website, this program specializes in questions about pensions and retirement issues unique to seniors. The volunteers for this program are also IRS-certified.

If you don’t qualify for these program, there are other resources to file taxes for free. Need help paying your tax bill? Here are your options to pay a huge tax bill. How are you getting your taxes done — hiring an accountant, using a software, or are you doing them on your own?

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