IRS Will Seek Volunteers for Free Tax Preparation
Eligible households can access free filing assistance through IRS-led programs in the upcoming season.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Taxes
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The Internal Revenue Service is calling for volunteers and community partners to staff free tax preparation programs for the upcoming filing season. These services help eligible taxpayers navigate the annual filing process at no cost.
Why it matters
These programs assist taxpayers in meeting their filing obligations and maximizing access to credits and deductions. By providing no-cost professional help, the agency ensures that eligible households can complete their returns without professional tax preparation fees.
During 2026, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs utilized 84,500 volunteers. These volunteers successfully prepared 2.9 million tax returns for free, assisting taxpayers across the United States.
The players
Internal Revenue Service
The federal agency responsible for tax administration, which provides resources and oversight for free taxpayer filing assistance programs.
The details
The IRS operates two primary initiatives: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. Volunteers receive training to assist eligible households with preparing and filing their annual income tax returns. Community partners play a critical role by providing the necessary resources and local infrastructure to host these sessions throughout the country.
Timeline
2026: Volunteers helped taxpayers file 2.9 million tax returns.
Upcoming filing season: The agency seeks volunteers for tax preparation services.
Money Landscape
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program remains a foundational component of the government's effort to keep tax preparation costs low for eligible households. It acts as an ongoing annual resource that offsets the financial burden of paid professional tax services for millions of filers.
Households that typically qualify for free filing help should prepare to look for local service sites as the upcoming filing season approaches. Consult with a qualified tax professional to determine if your household income or circumstances make you eligible for these programs.
The takeaway
Free tax preparation programs are a vital resource for reducing the cost of meeting your annual filing requirements. Keep an eye on local community center announcements as the upcoming filing season nears to find authorized assistance in your area.
Further reading
Learn more about managing your tax obligations in our Taxes section.
Live Poll
Do you trust volunteer-led programs to accurately prepare your tax return?
