ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The 2024 tax filing season is now underway with returns due on April 15.
If you need assistance preparing your tax return, there is time to get help and people online are looking for ways to file for free.
Sherian P. in Clearwater asked if there are legitimate sites for seniors to file their taxes.
THE QUESTION
Can seniors file their taxes for free?
THE SOURCES
THE ANSWER
Yes, eligible seniors have options to file their taxes for free.
WHAT WE FOUND
Whether you prepare and file your own tax returns or get in-person help, there are easy, secure and free tax filing options for seniors, according to the IRS.
The IRS offers two programs for eligible seniors to have their taxes prepared in person for free.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program is for taxpayers 60 years and older who have questions about pensions and retirement-related issues. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps people who make $64,000 or less, have a disability or don’t feel comfortable speaking English.
The IRS has an online tool to help you find a location closest to you.
Many seniors and retirees can also file through IRS "Free File," a federal program that partners with outside providers to offer free online tax preparation and filing software. The program is only available to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is $79,000 or less.
A new IRS pilot program will also allow some taxpayers in 12 states — including Florida — to file their taxes for free directly to the government. This is separate from the existing Free File program.
Beyond the IRS, there are other free tax filing options available.
The AARP Foundation has a program called Tax-Aide that offers free in-person and virtual tax assistance. Tax-Aide is available to anyone, regardless of income, although the service is focused on people over 50 who have low-to-moderate incomes. The program can help with most, but not all, tax returns.
You don't need to have an AARP membership to receive tax assistance through this program.
VERIFY's Megan Loe and Brandon Lewis contributed to this report.
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