You can still get free help if you need help with filing taxes. But you may end up competing with a lot of other procrastinators if you're going to file by the April 15 tax deadline. Many free resources focus on helping low-income taxpayers, seniors, and military members and their families.
You can still find help even if you're not in one of these groups, but you'll need to be patient, said Morris Armstrong, founder of Armstrong Financial Strategies and an IRS enrolled agent. "The IRS and most state websites seem to have plenty of information online, but the challenge is getting through to a live person," Armstrong said in an email.
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The Internal Revenue Service has processed fewer returns so far compared to the same time last year, which means there may be even more people who need help finishing their taxes at the last minute. Already lost in a pile of receipts and forms? We have resources that can help answer your questions for free and even help you complete your return. But don't dawdle.
Read more: Be Aware of These 6 Tax Mistakes That May Get You Audited by the IRS
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IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers
The IRS offers free help at its Taxpayer Assistance Centers, available in every state. The centers allow taxpayers to deliver paper tax returns or drop off payments and can also assist with a variety of tax-related issues.
The centers generally operate only on weekdays and by appointment. However, through May 1, offices may offer extended evening or Saturday hours. Contact your local Tax Assistance Center for more details.
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
The IRS also offers Volunteer Income Tax Assistance for people who meet one of the following criteria:
- People with disabilities
- Those who speak little English
- Those who earn less than $67,000
- Older filers, including senior citizens
You can find VITA help at community centers, libraries, schools and similar locations. Visit the IRS website to find help near you.
IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly
While VITA might serve elderly filers, the IRS also offers a specific program for older filers, Tax Counseling for the Elderly. However, you can use TCE services even if you aren't 60 years of age or older.
TCE specializes in retirement-related concerns, including information about pensions and other retirement plans. You can typically find TCE programs in the same place as VITA. Look for tax counseling here in your neighborhood.
IRS federal tax hotline
If you have questions about specific tax topics, you can call the IRS federal tax hotline at 1-800-829-1040. There's no limit on how often you can call, but be aware that wait times will only increase as April 15 approaches.
Even if you're unsure if the hotline can answer your question, the IRS may be able to point you in the right direction to get the help you need. They'll likely ask you for basic information like your Social Security number, birthdate and filing status, so be prepared.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
The AARP offers free tax preparation through its Tax-Aide Program every year through mid-April. Typically, Tax-Aide helps low- and moderate-income taxpayers over 50, but it promises its services are available to everyone, regardless of whether you're an AARP member. The service is free but available only by appointment, so booking early is best. Find Tax-Aide Program locations here.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource, or MilTax, is offered by the Department of Defense in partnership with H&R Block for those serving on active duty. It also covers their spouses, dependent children and survivors.
The service provides free specialized software and one-on-one help from tax pros with special training for military-specific tax situations. You can schedule a live chat or in-person meeting, depending on your location.
Free tax filing software
In addition to options from the IRS for Free File and Direct File, consider using free tax filing software like H&R Block and TurboTax, which may offer online assistance. Some programs may require you to pay an additional fee for support or to file state taxes in conjunction with your federal taxes, so be sure to check for fees first.
Universities, nonprofits, tax clinics
Sometimes you can find help from up-and-coming professionals. If you have a question or concern about your filing, contact your local university law or business school. They may make students available to answer simple tax questions. It's best to rely on this option for general tax questions and avoid sharing sensitive information.
You can also contact tax clinics. The IRS offers Low Income Taxpayer Clinics that help those who otherwise can't hire legal help. It's free or low-cost for taxpayers who qualify. Each clinic determines which clients meet guidelines and eligibility.
Many community-supported organizations are also available, but not every state, city or county offers the same services. Some of these services are reserved for people who need legal help when facing lawsuits or related issues from the IRS.
Professional tax consultations
You may also want to try a local tax professional. Many offer free consultations to help you decide if you should file on your own or with the help of an expert. You can do a simple online search or see if the National Society of Accountants can help you find someone in your area.
"If you're working with a tax professional, don't hesitate to ask questions," advises Jasmine Johnson, an accountant and accredited financial counselor. "A good preparer will want you to feel at ease and understand your financial situation." If you go with a paid service, make sure the preparer is legit by checking their Preparer Tax Identification Number and asking for references.
Online tax advice services
There is no shortage of people online who offer tax advice, but finding a reliable one is the challenge. One legit option is the IRS free virtual assistant, the Interactive Tax Assistant, which can help with basic questions.
Googling your question or asking an AI tool like ChatGPT can be helpful as a starting point, but you'll need to do additional research to confirm the accuracy of any advice you get, Armstrong said.
"There are plenty of legitimate resources online, if you have the interpretive skills," he said. "The one caveat, and I know that there are exceptions, is do not rely on TikTok, Reels or Instagram for an answer. Glitzy and taxes do not go together."