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Free Tax Preparation Assistance

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) sponsor several free tax preparation assistance programs for eligible Vermonters. These services are provided by volunteers. All volunteer tax preparers receive training from the IRS and the Vermont Department of Taxes. Assistance is available to prepare and file the following: 

  • Federal Income Tax Return and schedules

  • Vermont State Income Tax Return and schedules

  • Homestead Declaration and Property Tax Credit Claim

  • Household Income Schedule

  • Renter Credit Claim

Tax Filing Assistance Programs

The IRS sponsors the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. In Vermont, these programs are provided statewide by Vermont Community Action Agencies. These programs are free and staffed by volunteers trained by both the IRS and the Vermont Department of Taxes, making them an informed and dependable resource.

The VITA Program offers free tax help to people who generally earn less than $64,000, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and taxpayers with limited English who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. The TCE program gives priority to seniors aged 60 years and older.

To learn about these programs and eligibility, visit the IRS website or locate VITA and TCE assistance sites near you. 

Get a description of VITA and TCE free tax preparation assistance services in English and Spanish.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) 

The VITA Program offers free tax preparation assistance to people with low to moderate income (less than $67,000 in 2024), those with disabilities, the elderly, and taxpayers with limited English.  

Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program (TCE)  

There is no specified income limit for the TCE Program, however, some federal forms often needed by people with moderate or higher incomes may be outside the scope of the program, depending on filing status. TCE volunteers are unable to assist with these federal forms: 

  • Federal Form 8959 Additional Medicare Tax 
  • Federal Form 8960 Net Investment Income Tax 
  • Federal Form 8995-A, Qualified Business Income Deduction 

Contact the individual service location if you have any questions about their services. 

For more information about these programs, and to see if you are eligible to receive free tax preparation services, visit the IRS website or check the Free Tax Preparation list at Vermont 211.  

Get a description of VITA and TCE free tax preparation assistance services in English and Spanish. 

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Tax-Aide Program

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides tax assistance sites to taxpayers with low and moderate-income, with special attention to those 50 years and older who cannot afford a tax preparation service. If you have a complicated return, check with the service location to see if they have a volunteer with knowledge of that form. 

To locate an AARP Tax-aide site near you, visit AARP.

United Way, MyFreeTaxes

MyFreeTaxes is provided by United Way in partnership with VITA and AARP to help filers file their federal and state taxes in person or online for free. You may:

  • Qualify for free in-person tax filing assistance if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in 2024 was $67,000 or less. If your AGI is higher than that, you still qualify for free help if you are over 50 years of age.  
  • Qualify for free phone or online filing assistance with MyFreeTaxes if your AGI was less than $84,000 in 2024. If your AGI was $84,000 or more, you can still file for free, but MyFreeTaxes will redirect you to a third-party filing service. 

Learn more about MyFreeTaxes.

Become a Volunteer 

These tax assistance programs are only successful with the help of volunteers willing to give their time and expertise to help taxpayers who use these free services. All volunteers are trained to meet or exceed IRS and State filing standards. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the program that interests you.