Overview
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
program(s) and IRS e-file joined forces several years ago to bring electronic tax
filing to VITA/TCE sites. Since then, volunteers prepare tax return information on
computers and ultimately transmit them electronically to the IRS. And it's all FREE.
IRS trained volunteers prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at VITA sites
for individuals of low to moderate income, individuals with disabilities, non-English
speaking taxpayers, and the elderly. Such volunteers also prepare basic income tax returns
free of charge at TCE sites for individuals 60 years of age or older. Many of these
VITA/TCE sites offer IRS e-file (electronic filing) free of charge to the taxpayer.
For the VITA/TCE site nearest you, contact the Taxpayer Education office at your local
IRS office. Or, contact the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to find out the
nearest TCE/Tax-Aide site by calling 1-888-227-7669. In addition, you may also access AARP's web page.
Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers on IRS e-file For Taxpayers at VITA/TCE
Sites
Q. What are the benefits of using IRS e-file at a VITA/TCE
site?
A. Several benefits:
- It's a free service - No fees for electronic filing or tax preparation service
- Refunds are fast - Refunds received in half the time as when filed on paper, even faster
with Direct Deposit
- Returns are accurate - Fewer errors means fewer contact with IRS
- Acknowledgment is provided - Proof of IRS receipt
- Convenient - VITA/TCE sites are easily accessible, i.e., libraries, shopping malls,
local community centers
- One-stop filing with Federal/State e-file - Federal and state returns can be
e-filed at the same time.
Return to Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers on IRS e-file For Taxpayers at VITA/TCE
Sites
Q. What forms and/or schedules can be e-filed at these sites?
A. Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and Schedules A and B are accepted.
Return to Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers on IRS e-file For Taxpayers at VITA/TCE
Sites
Q. What refund and/or payment options are available when using
IRS e-file?
A. If you are eligible for a refund, you have the option of having your refund directly
deposited into a checking or savings account, receiving a paper check, or you may apply
the refund to your estimated tax payments. With IRS e-file, you may file now and
pay by April 15 using Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher.
Return to Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers on IRS e-file For Taxpayers at VITA/TCE
Sites
Q. Where are VITA/TCE sites located?
A. VITA and TCE sites can be found in community centers, libraries, churches, shopping
malls, retirement homes, etc. Contact your local IRS Taxpayer Education or Electronic Tax
Administration Coordinator or American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for more details.
Return to Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers on IRS e-file For Taxpayers at VITA/TCE Sites
Q. What fees are involved?
A. None. VITA/TCE sites offer free tax preparation assistance and free electronic
filing.
Return to Questions and Answers
Tax Topics & FAQs | Tax Help Archives | Home
