Top 10 Tips about Free Tax Preparation
(info below quoted from the IRS)
Each year millions of people have their tax returns prepared for free
by volunteers. These volunteers are part of the IRS Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.
Here are the top 10 tips the IRS wants you to know about VITA and TCE:
1. The IRS sponsors both the VITA and TCE programs. They work with local community groups to both train and certify volunteers.
2. The VITA program generally offers free tax return preparation and e-filing to people who earn $52,000 or less.
3. The TCE program offers help mainly to
people age 60 or older. Volunteers specialize in tax issues unique to
seniors. AARP is part of the TCE program and helps taxpayers with low to
moderate incomes.
4. VITA and TCE provide free electronic
filing. An e-filed tax return is the safest and most accurate way to
file. Using e-file combined with direct deposit is the fastest way to
get your refund.
5. Using VITA and TCE may help ensure you
get all the tax credits and deductions you’re able to claim. For
example, credits that you may qualify for include the Earned Income Tax
Credit, the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for the
Elderly.
6. Some sites provide bilingual help for people who speak limited English.
7. VITA provides free tax assistance to
military members and their families. Volunteers help with tax issues
related to the military. These include special rules and tax benefits
for those serving in combat zones.
8. At some VITA sites, you can also prepare
your own federal and state tax returns using free web-based software.
This is an option if you don’t need much help or don’t have a home
computer. Volunteers are on site to guide you if
you need help. The self-preparation options generally offer free tax
return preparation software and e-filing to people who earn $58,000 or
less.
9. For more than 40 years, the IRS has
partnered with nonprofit and community organizations to offer these
vital services. Thousands of VITA and TCE sites around the nation will
open in late Jan. and early Feb.
10. Visit IRS.gov to find the nearest VITA site. Search the word ’VITA’ and then click on “
Free
Tax Return Preparation for You by Volunteers.” Site information is
also available by calling the IRS at 800-906-9887. To locate the nearest
AARP Tax-Aide site, visit aarp.org, or call 888-227-7669.
For slightly more complicated returns—for example, if you need to itemize because you own a home—TurboTax Deluxe is the best software for the job. 
