Free Tax Preparation: How VITA and AARP Tax-Aide Work
Commercial tax preparation services charge $150–$500 for returns that most people can get done for free. The IRS's VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program and AARP's Tax-Aide service prepare federal and state returns at no cost through trained, IRS-certified volunteers. Here is everything you need to know about using them.
What is VITA?
VITA — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance — is an IRS-sponsored program that operates free tax sites at community centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. VITA volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS each year. The program has operated since 1971.
VITA is available to individuals and families earning under about $67,000, persons with disabilities, and limited English speaking taxpayers. There is no cost for any service.
What is AARP Tax-Aide?
AARP Tax-Aide is similar to VITA but run by AARP Foundation volunteers. Unlike its name suggests, AARP Tax-Aide is available to taxpayers of all ages, not just seniors — though it does focus on low to moderate income taxpayers. AARP Tax-Aide prepares federal and state returns at no charge.
Both VITA and AARP Tax-Aide sites are open primarily from late January through mid-April, aligned with tax season. Some sites operate year-round or offer extended hours during the filing season.
What they can and cannot do
VITA and AARP Tax-Aide can handle most standard tax situations: W-2 income, Social Security benefits, interest and dividends, SNAP and other government benefits (which are generally not taxable), EITC, Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, and state income tax returns.
More complex situations — Schedule C business income above a certain level, complex investment income, rental properties with multiple properties, or international tax issues — may be outside the scope of some VITA sites. Ask when you call to make an appointment.
What to bring
Identification: photo ID and Social Security cards (or ITIN letters) for yourself and all dependents. Income documents: W-2 forms from all employers, SSA-1099 for Social Security, 1099s for any other income, and last year's tax return if you have it.
Other documents: childcare provider information (name, address, EIN) if claiming the childcare credit, mortgage interest statement (1098) if applicable, and any IRS letters received. If filing jointly, your spouse must also be present for the appointment.
How to find a site
For VITA: Use the IRS locator at irs.gov/vita or call 800-906-9887. For AARP Tax-Aide: Use the locator at aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 888-227-7669. Sites typically open appointments starting in late January.
Many VITA and AARP Tax-Aide sites are by appointment only. Call or book online early in the filing season — slots fill quickly in February and March. Walk-in availability varies by site.