Free Tax Filing (VITA)

Taxes may seem difficult but choosing a way to file doesn’t have to be. Paying for tax preparation can be expensive, costing $50 to $500. That fee drains money from your tax refund. Luckily, there are several free tax filing options available, both in-person and online.

Note: If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit, your refund will be delayed regardless of whether you use free tax preparation or go to a paid tax preparer. 

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Free tax filing services

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax-Aide sites offer free and reliable tax filing services that can ease the stress of tax filing and help you get the most out of your tax return.

Free tax filing sites provide services in different ways including in-person, virtual, or drop-off. Here is an overview of how each service works.

  • In-person service. Some sites require an appointment. Sites will tell you what you need to bring and how to get ready for your appointment.
  • Drop-off service. Sites arrange for you to drop off your tax documents and any pre-filled forms at a secure location. Then, an IRS-certified VITA volunteer will work on your tax return. You will be contacted to return to the VITA site to review and sign your tax return after it has been prepared. It will then be sent to the IRS.
  • Virtual tax service. Sites provide instructions for you to send your tax documents online through a secure platform. An IRS-certified VITA volunteer will review your documents and contact you for additional information to complete your tax return. Your tax return will be sent back to you for review before it is filed electronically with the IRS.

For any service, the exact process will depend on the location. Contact your local VITA site for more information. Review a list of tax forms most sites can and cannot prepare and important items to bring to a tax site.

Free in-person tax filing service

VITA and Tax-Aide are IRS-sponsored programs that provide free tax preparation for those who earn less than about $69,000. These programs prioritize accuracy and filing your tax return correctly. Free tax preparation programs have an accuracy rate of over 90 percent, the highest in the industry. The annual training that VITA and Tax-Aide volunteers undergo helps:

  • Reduce the need to correct tax filing mistakes
  • Prevent the IRS from spending more time reviewing your return

Tax-Aide is sometimes referred to as Tax Counseling for the Elderly or TCE. This program, frequently run through the AARP Foundation, primarily serves seniors, although there is no age requirement to get tax help. VITA offers free tax preparation for workers of any age.

VITA and Tax-Aide sites may offer free tax preparation in-person, through drop-off, or virtually. Some sites also can connect you with other financial resources like financial coaching, budgeting classes, or savings programs. Contact your local free tax filing site to learn what is available.

Free virtual tax filing service

Code for America, in partnership with VITA, has created Get Your Refund, a fully virtual intake process for free tax assistance to file federal and state returns. This service is a free alternative to prepare your tax return if a VITA site is not in your area.

If you earn less than about $69,000, you can visit Get Your Refund to connect with an IRS-certified volunteer who will help you file your taxes. First, you will upload your tax documents online. Then, an IRS-certified volunteer will call you to discuss, prepare, and review your tax return for filing.

You can also use Get Your Refund to file your own taxes for free if you earn less than about $89,000. The platform guides you through the process and has IRS-certified chat support if you have questions. This is a good option if you are comfortable using technology, including sending pictures or documents electronically.

Free online tax software

Online free tax preparation offers a convenient and reliable way to file your taxes.

If you’re comfortable using computers or a mobile device, consider using free online tax software to file your tax return.

MyFreeTaxes is an easy online tool that helps you file your taxes for free. The site offers free step-by-step guidance to filing taxes as well as help through an online chat and helpline. Tax filing is free for both federal and state tax filing.

MyFreeTaxes offers a broader range of tax forms than most VITA sites. You must earn under $89,000 to file your own tax return. If you’re not comfortable using the website on your own, ask someone you trust to help you. If you earn less than $69,000, you can also choose to have your taxes prepared for you.

Another free online option is Free File Alliance, a suite of programs in partnership with IRS. You can find Free File programs on the IRS website. You can use one of the programs if you earn under $89,000. If you choose to use one of these programs, read the fine print carefully. Each program has slightly different requirements for their software. In addition, some companies offer free state tax returns, while others don’t.

How do I choose the right tax preparation method?

There are multiple factors to think about before filing your taxes each year. Keep in mind that what worked for you last year may not support your current needs. Three considerations are:

  1. Using technology. Are you comfortable using tax software? If you don’t feel comfortable navigating tax software or just want live support, free in-person or virtual tax preparation is a good option. You may be able to find tax support from your local free tax site or Code for America’s Get Your Refund service.
  2. Human interaction. If you have a question, are you okay with using online options for help or do you prefer talking to someone face-to-face? If you feel comfortable filing your taxes with minimal support, free online filing services like Get Your Refund’s File Myself, MyFreeTaxes, or Free File Alliance may provide what you need.
  3. Tax needs. What is your current tax situation? If you have tax needs that aren’t supported through free tax filing options or make more money than the income limits for free tax filing programs, you can find a paid tax preparer or paid tax software. For paid tax software, review different options to help you determine a good match for your needs. Consider using a resource like NerdWallet’s best tax software chart to compare offerings.

If you prefer in-person paid assistance, make sure to research your options first. Unfortunately, the tax industry is not regulated, so be careful when looking for assistance. Although many paid preparers are honest, some preparers take advantage of their clients by not disclosing their fees or overcharging for refund anticipation products.

Preparing to file your taxes

This checklist can help you gather your documents so you have everything you need whether you file your own tax return or go to a tax filing appointment.