VITA: free tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free program where trained volunteers prepare your federal and usually your state return. It is meant for people who generally make about $70,244 or less, people with disabilities and people who speak limited English.

Find a VITA site (IRS locator)

Free if you qualify. Income guideline as shown by the IRS in September 2026. Limits are set each year before the filing season.

Who qualifies

• You generally make about $70,244 or less. The IRS does not set one hard limit; each site may set its own.
• You have a disability, or you speak limited English (sites may help regardless of income).
• Your return is basic: wages, Social Security, pensions, unemployment, interest, credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
• Some sites also prepare prior-year returns. Ask the site before you go.

Who it is not for

• A business that shows a loss on Schedule C, depreciation, or a home office deduction.
• Most rental property returns.
• Very complex investment returns. Sites vary, so call ahead.

How to get started

1. Find a site with the IRS VITA/TCE locator or call 800-906-9887. Sites are mostly open from late January to April 15.
2. Check whether the site takes appointments or walk-ins, and which languages it offers.
3. Bring the documents on the checklist below. Missing documents is the most common reason a visit fails.
4. A volunteer prepares the return, a second volunteer reviews it, and you sign before it is filed.

Prefer to do it yourself online? See MyFreeTaxes

What to bring

• Photo ID for you and your spouse
• Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
• Birth dates for everyone on the return
• W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC and other income forms
• Social Security benefit statement (SSA-1099)
• Interest and dividend statements (1099-INT, 1099-DIV)
• Last year's federal and state returns
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Child care provider name, address and tax ID
• Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
• If married filing jointly: both spouses should come to sign

From the IRS checklist for free tax return preparation. Ask your site if it needs anything else.

If this program does not fit

Other free programs may still work for you: