Tax Tip: Top 10 tips about free tax preparation

Updated: Jan 29, 2014 03:29 PM

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Why do so many people fall behind on their taxes?
Why do so many people fall behind on their taxes?
Despite the threat of owing thousands of dollars to the U.S. government, millions of Americans continue to fall behind on their taxes.More >
In 2009, a spokesperson for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service estimated that 8.2 million Americans owed over $83 billion in back taxes, penalties and interest (approximately $10,000 per person). Despite the threat of owing thousands of dollars to the U.S. government, millions of Americans continue to fall behind on their taxes.More >
Tax issues for same-sex spouses
Tax issues for same-sex spouses
The tax rules for married same-sex couples are largely identical to those for couples of opposite genders, but there are stipulations.
More >
The tax rules for married same-sex couples are largely identical to those for couples of opposite genders, but because the IRS looks to state laws to determine marital status, there are some additional stipulations for these couples that do not apply to traditional married couples.More >
How to get the most money back on your tax return
How to get the most money back on your tax return
One of the primary concerns on taxpayers' minds during the tax season is how to get the most money back or pay the least amount of income tax when they file their tax returns.More >
One of the primary concerns on taxpayers' minds during the tax season is how to get the most money back or pay the least amount of income tax when they file their tax returns.
More >
Tax software vs. an accountant: Which is right for you?
Tax software vs. an accountant: Which is right for you?
With every important job comes the question of whether or not individuals should do it themselves or hire a professional.More >
With every important job comes the question of whether or not individuals should do it themselves or hire a professional.
More >
Tax-smart ways to help your kids/grandkids pay for college
Tax-smart ways to help your kids/grandkids pay for college
The national median existing-home price was $199,500 in October of this year. That's less than the estimated $210,388 it will cost to send your two-year-old to an in-state, public college for four years.More >
Many people say that a home is the largest single investment you'll ever make, but consider this: The national median existing-home price was $199,500 in October of this year. That's less than the estimated $210,388 it will cost to send your two-year-old to an in-state, public college for four years.
More >
10 steps to tax preparation
10 steps to tax preparation
There is still plenty of time left until the April 15 income tax filing deadline. But why wait until the last minute to get your affairs in order?More >
There is still plenty of time left until the April 15 income tax filing deadline. But why wait until the last minute to get your affairs in order?
More >
Tax Tip: Top 10 tips about free tax preparation
Tax Tip: Top 10 tips about free tax preparation
Each year millions of people have their tax returns prepared for free by volunteers. These volunteers are part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.More >
Each year millions of people have their tax returns prepared for free by volunteers. These volunteers are part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.More >
Get ready for tax season
Get ready for tax season
April 15 might seem a long way off, but tax time has a way of sneaking up on people. Do not wait until the last minute to get your financial documents in order.More >
April 15 might seem a long way off, but tax time has a way of sneaking up on people. Do not wait until the last minute to get your financial documents in order.More >
A beginner's guide to tax-efficient investing
A beginner's guide to tax-efficient investing
Tax efficiency is essential to maximizing returns. Due to the complexities of both investing and U.S. tax laws, many investors don't understand how to manage their portfolio to minimize their tax burden.More >
Tax efficiency is essential to maximizing returns. Due to the complexities of both investing and U.S. tax laws, many investors don't understand how to manage their portfolio to minimize their tax burden.More >
Tax Tip: Where's my refund?
Where's my tax refund?
Looking for your tax refund? The IRS has the answer for where it is, along with a host of other refund-related questions.More >

Each year millions of people have their tax returns prepared for free by volunteers. These volunteers are part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

Here are the top 10 tips the IRS wants you to know about VITA and TCE:

1. The IRS sponsors both the VITA and TCE programs. They work with local community groups to both train and certify volunteers.

2. The VITA program generally offers free tax return preparation and e-filing to people who earn $52,000 or less.

3. The TCE program offers help mainly to people age 60 or older. Volunteers specialize in tax issues unique to seniors. AARP is part of the TCE program and helps taxpayers with low to moderate incomes.

4. VITA and TCE provide free electronic filing. An e-filed tax return is the safest and most accurate way to file. Using e-file combined with direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund.

5. Using VITA and TCE may help ensure you get all the tax credits and deductions you're able to claim. For example, credits that you may qualify for include the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for the Elderly.

6. Some sites provide bilingual help for people who speak limited English.

7. VITA provides free tax assistance to military members and their families. Volunteers help with tax issues related to the military. These include special rules and tax benefits for those serving in combat zones.

8. At some VITA sites, you can also prepare your own federal and state tax returns using free web-based software. This is an option if you don't need much help or don't have a home computer. Volunteers are on site to guide you if you need help. The self-preparation options generally offer free tax return preparation software and e-filing to people who earn $58,000 or less.

9. For more than 40 years, the IRS has partnered with nonprofit and community organizations to offer these vital services. Thousands of VITA and TCE sites around the nation will open in late Jan. and early Feb.

10. Visit IRS.gov to find the nearest VITA site. Search the word 'VITA' and then click on "Free Tax Return Preparation for You by Volunteers." Site information is also available by calling the IRS at 800-906-9887. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, visit aarp.org, or call 888-227-7669.

Remember that all of the web page addresses for the official IRS website, IRS.gov, begin with http://www.irs.gov. Don't be confused or misled by Internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is http://www.irs.gov/.

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