Free Tax Help for Employees
Let Employees Know that They May Qualify for Free Tax Help
The IRS operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for more than 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who earn $60,000 or less
- Individuals with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
VITA sites are operated by organizations that partner with the IRS and are staffed by volunteers (who have training and can be trusted to keep information confidential). The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive funding from the IRS to help support individuals within their communities.
All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA site prior to filing. Preparing tax forms can be confusing and frustrating. Free help from retirees who are IRS-certified can help take the stress out of the tax preparation and filing process.