“. . . in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. . . .”
Benjamin Franklin, 1789.1
The IRS will kick off the new tax filing season on January 29, which means that taxpayers will have between that date and April 15 to file their returns. For most Americans, filing deadlines for 2024 taxes are April 14 and October 15 for those filing an extension using Form 4868 and paying all taxes due by April 15.
Many Americans find tax rules and forms complex and confusing and may turn to professionals for help with preparation and filing. IRS.gov has tools to help consumers with information needed to file a complete and accurate return. The tools are easy-to-use and available anytime. There are also resources for FREE basic preparation and advice for those who qualify through volunteer organizations and the IRS.
Here is a list of tax preparation assistance resources:
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). IRS-certified volunteers provide preparation services to older Americans (age 60 or older), low- and moderate-income filers, people with disabilities and those with limited English language skills. Generally, taxpayers must have an an adjusted gross income below $64,000 to qualify. Call 800-906-9887 or check the IRS website to find a nearby VITA site using the Locator Tool. Iowa residents may find VITA locations using the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance website provided by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Human Sciences. At selected sites, taxpayers can input and electronically file their own tax return with the assistance of an IRS certified volunteer. Appointments may be necessary.
IRS Free File. Taxpayers with income below $79,000 are eligible to file federal tax returns online through the IRS Free File. To browse options and confirm eligibility, visit IRS Free File: Do Your Taxes for Free.
IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs). Help is also available at IRS offices that host a Taxpayer Assistance Center. Check the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center site to find a location offering this service.
MilTax Filing Service. Mil Tax from Military OneSource and the Department of Defense provide easy-to-use tax preparation and free e-filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns to all military members and some veterans, with no income limit. Tax pro consultants are available to provide 24/7 phone assistance at 800-342-9647. For more information, check the Military OneSource website.
Do-It-Yourself Online Options. Several tax software providers, H&R Block, TurboTax, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer offer free online filing tools for simple returns. Check their individual websites to see if their offerings fit your needs.
Minnesota residents can find resources available in both in Spanish and English at Free Tax Preparation Sites and Resources.
Before you GO (VITA and TCE Sites) –
- Call for an appointment or request an appointment online.
- Check on what to bring to the appointment. Use this list provided by the IRS to get started.
- Open a bank account if necessary. If you are without a bank account, visit the FDIC GetBanked website to find a bank where you can open an account (local or online) for paying taxes and/or for direct refund deposit.
Resources used in this blog in order of citation:
- Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers, IRS
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Iowa, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Human Sciences
- IRS Free File: Do Your Taxes for Free, IRS.
- Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs), Contact Your Local IRS Office.
- Miltax Free Software and Support, Military OneSource
- Free tax preparation sites and resources, University of Minnesota Extension
- What to Bring to Your Local VITAs or TCE Site, IRS
- #GetBanked, FDIC
Updated Jan 2024, mg.
Source:
1 Sparks, Jared (1856). The Writings of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. X (1789-1790). Macmillan. p. 410.
