The Internal Revenue Service has announced new funding for 2026 to support free tax preparation services across the United States. The funding will enable thousands of community organizations to continue delivering tax assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program.
The programs assist individuals who find it difficult to complete their tax returns without assistance. The programs assist seniors, low-income and moderate-income individuals, disabled people, and taxpayers who have limited English proficiency.
The 2026 funding is part of the IRS’s ongoing effort to make tax filing easier, more accurate, and more accessible for everyone.
What Are VITA and TCE Programs?
The VITA and TCE programs together with IRS support offer free federal tax return preparation services which have continued for many years. The program works with certified volunteers who assist eligible taxpayers in filing their basic tax returns.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The VITA program helps individuals and families who earn below certain income limits. It also supports people who face barriers when filing taxes, such as language challenges or lack of access to paid tax services. VITA volunteers help with common tax situations, including:
- Wages and salary income
- Standard deductions
- Basic tax credits
- Filing status selection
- Electronic filing of tax returns
The system delivers two objectives through the solution which enables taxpayers to obtain their eligible credits while preventing errors which result in refund delays.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
The TCE program focuses on helping people aged 60 and older. Seniors require different tax services because they need to handle retirement income. TCE volunteers receive training to provide assistance with
- Social Security income
- Pension and retirement income
- Required minimum distributions
- Basic federal tax returns
These services are usually provided at senior centers, libraries, and community locations.
Why the 2026 Grant Funding Matters
Tax laws change frequently because they require continuous updates. Taxpayers experience confusion from minor changes in tax regulations. People with low income and fixed retirement income cannot afford professional tax assistance.
The 2026 grant funding enables nonprofit organizations and community groups to:
- Recruit and train volunteers
- Open tax help sites in local communities
- Provide secure electronic filing
- Reach underserved populations
- Offer accurate and trusted tax support
The funding enables free tax assistance centers to operate their services. Without this funding many free tax help centers would need to shut down their operations.
Who Benefits From These Free Tax Services?
The (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) VITA and TCE programs provide assistance to taxpayers who require additional support. The following groups of people frequently use these services:
- Seniors who depend on their retirement income for their financial needs
- People who have disabilities
- Taxpayers who cannot speak English
- Taxpayers who are filing their taxes for the first time
- Workers who want to receive refundable tax credits
The programs help taxpayers access essential benefits which would otherwise remain inaccessible due to their tax filing difficulties.
Common Tax Credits Helped by VITA and TCE
Volunteers provide taxpayers with assistance to obtain tax credits which can lead to significant monetary benefits.
These may include:
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Credits for dependents
- Credits for education expenses
The accurate filing of these credits will result in higher tax refunds while decreasing financial pressure on taxpayers.
How the Grant Program Works
The IRS opens the VITA and TCE grant application process for organizations every year. The grants provide financial assistance to organizations that operate volunteer tax assistance programs. The 2026 funding application process received submissions from multiple organizations. The IRS conducted a thorough evaluation of all submissions to choose organizations that could effectively assist taxpayers. Grant funds may be used for:
- Volunteer training and certification
- Tax preparation software and equipment
- Outreach and community education
- Site operations during tax season
- Quality review and compliance efforts
The system guarantees uniform service delivery across all operational sites.
What Happens When You Visit a VITA or TCE Site?
People find tax assistance centers which do not charge fees to provide them with easy and friendly services. The following sequence shows what most taxpayers will experience during their process:
- The first step requires you to present essential paperwork which includes both income documentation and identification documents.
- The certified volunteer verifies your submitted information after you present your documents.
- The volunteer creates your tax return while providing you with essential information about important elements.
- Another trained volunteer may review the return for accuracy.
The return process for filing takes place through electronic submission which does not incur any expenses. Taxpayers leave knowing their return was prepared carefully and correctly.
Accuracy and Security in VITA and TCE Programs
The IRS requires organizations to maintain precise records while safeguarding their confidential information. The organization requires all volunteers to finish their IRS training and obtain their certification during each yearly period.
The organization needs to adhere to established protocols which govern the management of personal data. The VITA and TCE programs require prepared returns to undergo quality control procedures which help minimize errors.
This process prevents all three outcomes which include delivery delays and Internal Revenue Service audits and notifications.
Why These Programs Are Trusted in the USA
VITA and TCE programs have served communities for decades. The programs handle the preparation of millions of tax returns every year. Many taxpayers return year after year because they trust the service.
The programs help organizations decrease fraud and errors through their provision of dependable guidance that replaces unverified advice.
The Role of Volunteers
The programs depend on volunteers who serve as their main supporting force. The program accepts volunteers from all backgrounds who include retirees and students and working professionals.
Volunteers complete IRS-approved training programs which provide them with continuous support throughout their service. Volunteers dedicate their time to help their communities while assisting others to complete their tax obligations with self-assurance.
How to Find Free Tax Help in the USA
Many cities and towns throughout the United States provide free tax assistance services which operate during the tax season. Taxpayers can usually find locations by:
- Checking IRS location tools
- Contacting local community centers
- Asserting their needs at senior centers or libraries
- Reaching out to nonprofit organizations
Multiple sites provide both appointment scheduling and walk-in service times.
Why This Matters for the 2026 Tax Season
The upcoming 2026 tax season will introduce various operational modifications. The changes create confusion for most taxpayers who belong to senior and low-income worker groups.
The ongoing financial support for VITA and TCE programs guarantees that assistance will continue to be accessible. The program provides taxpayers with fair access to the tax system while enabling them to complete their filing duties without experiencing additional pressure.
The IRS’s 2026 funding for VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs shows a strong commitment to helping taxpayers who need support. The programs deliver free tax preparation services which maintain high accuracy and trustworthiness throughout the United States.
Related Resources
- IRS Invites Professionals to Apply for 2026 ETAAC Roles
- EITC Awareness Day Aims to Help Workers Claim Missed Refunds
- IRS Launches EITC Awareness Day to Help Workers Claim Missed Tax Benefits
VITA and TCE programs help seniors and low-income families and people with disabilities experience a smoother tax season. The program assists taxpayers in completing their tax filings with accurate information while receiving all eligible tax credits and preventing expensive errors.
The programs will maintain their vital function of assisting communities throughout the country until the 2026 tax season begins. Get more updates from the IRS by getting in touch with The Fino Partners today.
