Free tax counseling for seniors from TCE - Tax Counseling from the Elderly Program.
The federal government funded Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free, in-person tax help to Americans age 60 and older. This national service, which is run by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in partnership with nonprofits such as AARP Foundation and local community action agencies, helps seniors prepare and file their federal and state income tax returns at no cost.
The service (find the phone number to apply below) will offer help with completing returns. Free filing for state and federal income tax forms is also offered for seniors. The TCE program is fully comprehensive and can address a number of issues.
What the TCE Program Offers
Each year, thousands of trained IRS-certified volunteers assist older adults during tax season. These volunteers help seniors understand tax changes, complete forms correctly, and identify credits or deductions that can lower their tax bills. The service is meant to make filing easier for older taxpayers who live on fixed incomes or have somewhat complex situations involving retirement income, Social Security, or health expenses. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program is for taxpayers age 60 and older. Assistance is available for both federal and state returns, and volunteers can answer questions about topics such as the following.
- Retirement income and pensions
- Social Security and disability benefits
- Medical expense deductions, including information on property tax exemptions
- Inheritance and estate tax considerations
- 401(k), IRA, or annuity withdrawals
TCE volunteers receive annual IRS training and must pass a certification exam to ensure accuracy. Many are retired professionals such as accountants, financial advisors, or educators. These individuals volunteer their time through community agencies, libraries, and senior centers.
If your return involves rental properties, business income, or other complex matters, a volunteer may refer you to a paid preparer. As if your return is not very straightforward, the TCE program may not be the best option for your situation. Otherwise, most seniors can get their entire return completed and filed for free.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program remains one of the most trusted free tax preparation options for seniors. Through its partnership with the IRS, AARP, and local charities, it provides expert help to older adults who need guidance filing their taxes safely and accurately. There is also additional tax preparation help from VITA.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is part of Tax Counseling for the Elderly
While the program is sponsored by the IRS and federal government grants, local non-profits run it. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the largest partner within the TCE network and operates nearly 8,000 local sites across the United States each year. While the program prioritizes adults age 60 and older, it often helps low- to moderate-income taxpayers of all ages when resources allow.
They do this as they are one of the key sponsors and have the resources at their disposal to make this happen. Other charities as well as non-profits may also offer TCE services. AARP Tax-Aide sites are usually located at libraries, senior centers, and community organizations. Services include:
- Electronic filing for faster refunds
- Paper return preparation if requested
- In-person and limited virtual assistance (depending on location)
- Advice on new federal and state tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, when applicable
How to apply or schedule tax help
Free tax help through the TCE and AARP Foundation programs is generally available from late January through mid-April, with some sites remaining open longer for amended or late filings.
Use the AARP locator (https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/) or the IRS search tool at https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/ to find TCE sites near you. Some centers allow walk-ins, but most require appointments during peak season. Also be sure to bring necessary documents.
Seniors should bring Social Security or ITIN numbers, proof of income (such as SSA-1099 or 1099-R forms), last year’s tax return, and records of deductions such as medical or charitable expenses. Other locations tend to be associated with non-profit organizations and community action agencies that receive grants from the IRS. Or to locate AARP Tax-Aide sitethat is nearest to you, call 1-888-227-7669.
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