Free Tax Help Will Be Available in 2021

Traditionally, taxpayers who need assistance during the tax season can find programs that fit their needs. Unfortunately, COVID has already made 2021 challenging. But don’t lose hope since help is still available.

VITA and TCE

The IRS isn’t ruling out opening Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites, but not all are open yet. The IRS says that, “Due to COVID-19, a number of VITA sites and all TCE sites are closed for an undetermined period of time.”

For 2021, VITA offers free tax help to taxpayers who generally make $57,000 or less, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need help preparing their own tax returns.

In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

Some VITA sites are planning to open. To locate an open VITA site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Other services, like the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, provide in-person and remote tax assistance free of charge. The AARP has a special focus on taxpayers who are 50 or older or who have low to moderate income. 

Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Tax help is provided in safe environments using a variety of methods based on several factors, including where you are located, COVID spread, and volunteer availability. 

The Tax-Aide web page will be updated in early February with new features to make it easier for taxpayers to request tax help. Meanwhile, you can find some of the answers to your questions using the AARP Tax Aide’s Frequently Asked Questions page on the AARP website.

Free File

And, of course, keep in mind that free tax software is available through Free File. Free File is a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. Free File is available to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income (AGI) was $72,000 or less in 2020—you can find your AGI by looking at line 11 on Form 1040.