Need the complete, official list of sites?
The IRS VITA/TCE locator lists every certified site in the country. Use it for the most current, complete results.
Do You Qualify? 30-Second Eligibility Check
What Are VITA and TCE?
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) are IRS-sponsored programs that offer free basic tax return preparation to people who qualify. All volunteers are trained, IRS-certified, and every return gets a quality review before filing.
Who VITA generally serves
- People with household income of generally $67,000 or less per year (approximate IRS guideline; confirm at irs.gov)
- Persons with disabilities
- Limited-English-speaking taxpayers
Who TCE generally serves
- People age 60 and older, with specialists in pensions, retirement income, and related questions
What to bring to a site
- Photo ID and Social Security cards (or ITIN) for you, your spouse, and dependents
- Wage and earnings statements: W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC, interest and dividend statements
- A copy of last year's federal and state return, if available
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Form 1095-A if you had Health Insurance Marketplace coverage
- If filing jointly, both spouses must be present to sign
Sample of Real VITA Sites (Major Metro Areas)
Virtual VITA: Free Help From Home
Can't get to a site in person? Virtual VITA pairs you with an IRS-certified volunteer over the phone or online. You upload your tax documents securely, a volunteer prepares your return, you review it together, and it is e-filed. Same free service, same quality review, no travel.
Well-known virtual options
- GetYourRefund (getyourrefund.org): free virtual tax prep from Code for America and nonprofit VITA partners. Upload documents from your phone and work with a certified volunteer.
- MyFreeTaxes (myfreetaxes.com): IRS-supported free self-filing software. Per United Way of Middle Tennessee, it has no income restrictions.
- NYC Free Tax Prep virtual sites: NYC Health + Hospitals runs virtual VITA at many hospital locations (register online at nyc.gov/TaxPrep).
- Many local programs (for example, United Way of Middle Tennessee and United Way of Greater Atlanta) also offer drop-off or online filing alongside their in-person sites.
Virtual options are operated by the listed organizations, not by this site. Confirm hours and document requirements with the provider before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VITA really free? What is the catch?
There is no catch. VITA and TCE are funded through the IRS and run by community organizations. IRS-certified volunteers prepare your return at no cost, including e-filing. Be cautious of paid "free" services that charge for state returns or refund transfers. If a site asks for payment, it is not a real VITA site.
What is the income limit for VITA?
The IRS generally serves people who make approximately $67,000 or less per year. However, the exact figure changes by tax season and some local programs set higher limits (NYC Free Tax Prep serves families earning up to $97,000; Nashville's program covers households up to $84,000). Check the current season's rules at irs.gov or ask the site directly.
Can undocumented immigrants use VITA?
Yes. VITA sites serve taxpayers regardless of citizenship status. Many sites prepare returns using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and some offer ITIN application assistance. For example, Los Angeles program listings explicitly note no citizenship requirements.
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
It depends on the site. Some VITA sites accept walk-ins, some are appointment-only, and some offer drop-off service where you leave documents and return later. The sample directory above tags each site where we know. Always call ahead or check the site's page before going.
When are VITA sites open?
Most sites operate during tax season only, roughly late January through April 15, with limited hours (often one or two days a week). A few operate year-round or offer extended-season help for amended and prior-year returns. The official IRS locator shows each site's season dates.
Still need a site near you?
The sample above covers major metros only. The IRS locator lists thousands of certified sites, searchable by ZIP code.
Find Every VITA/TCE Site at irs.treasury.gov
Also try: MyFreeTaxes.com (free self-filing) · dial 211 (United Way helpline, 24/7) · call the IRS at 800-906-9887 for VITA/TCE site information.
Disclosure
This page is an independent information guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service. Site details were compiled from public sources and may be outdated; verify hours, eligibility, and services directly with each program before visiting. This site may in the future carry sponsored placements or lead-generation features from tax software companies or financial services. Any such placements will be clearly labeled, and sponsored partners will never influence eligibility guidance or site listings.
Attribution: program data in the sample directory was drawn from public pages including irs.gov VITA program materials, NYC Free Tax Prep (nyc.gov), NYC Health + Hospitals, Ladder Up (goladderup.org), VITA San Antonio (vitasa.org), United Way of Greater Atlanta, Metro United Way Louisville, United Way of Middle Tennessee, CSUN VITA Clinic, Cal State LA, VITA at UCLA, Los Angeles Public Library tax resources, and local news coverage. Thank you to the volunteers who make these programs possible.
Guides
VITA vs TCE: Which Free Tax Program Fits Your Situation?
VITA is mostly about income, TCE is mostly about age. Compare eligibility, scope, and which program fits your situation before you book.
What to Bring to a VITA Tax Appointment: The Complete Document Checklist
The full IRS checklist organized for packing: identity documents, every income form, refund details, and the joint-filing rule that trips up couples.