The internet is full of no-cost tax resources that taxpayers often turn to for snap tax filing solutions. Some of these free or low-cost sites and centers are run by dedicated IRS certified tax professionals and volunteers. Listed below are 4 major tax help resources that taxpayers can utilize for quick tax and free solutions.
1. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): This free plan is targeted at moderate and low-earning taxpayers. VITA runs several community-based centers, schools, shopping malls and libraries sites. Eligible taxpayers can be helped by IRS-certified tax volunteers. VITA also offers a free e-filing help for taxpayers. The IRS partners with VITA and has set up free self-serve e-filing booths in 500 of VITA sites. To locate a nearby site, check out their directory or call 1-800-906-9887 for help.
2. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): Taxpayers aged 60 years or older can have their basic tax returns prepared for them by not-for-profit volunteers, as well as counseled on tax issues at no cost. You can get additional information about TCE by calling 1-800-906-9887 or call 1-888-227-7669 to find an AARP Tax-Aide site near you. You will be asked for some documentation when you visit any VITA or TCE sites for help, ensure that you are well prepared and find out which documents are required.
3. Military Personnel Tax Assistance: Members of the armed forces can file their returns online plus a maximum of three state returns at no cost. This was made possible through a partnership between H&R Block and the Military OneSource program pioneered by the Department of Defense. The military personnel can also get uniformed VITA help at several sites run by trained military-specific tax volunteers for free. Some of the tax issues that are specific to the military include Earned Income Tax Credit guide and combat zone tax remuneration.
4. Low-Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC): LITC tax volunteers mainly help low income individuals usually in problems with the taxman like audits, collection disagreements, and problems with their appeals. Even though the LITC is partially funded by the IRS through an exceptional grant plan, they are self-regulating and operated by business or law schools or nonprofits. You can find the nearest LITC center near you by checking their directory map.
Each of these committed free tax help programs requires that you meet specific conditions. Take your time and review their websites, make phone calls and find out if you are eligible. You will always be required to present some relevant tax-related documents, ensure that you are well armed when visiting any of the centers for help.
