Where to Get Free Tax Help When You Have Children

Free tax help is available through IRS-certified volunteers, community nonprofits, and your state's tax agency — you do not have to pay a tax preparer to claim the Child Tax Credit or other credits your family may be owed.

The IRS runs two free programs staffed by trained volunteers: the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). VITA serves households making under $60,000 per year and can prepare your full return, including the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other credits. TCE is for people 60 and older. Both programs are free, and the IRS certifies the volunteers who work in them.

If you do not may have access to for VITA or prefer another option, your state's Department of Revenue or Taxation often runs its own free tax help programs, and many community nonprofits offer free preparation during tax season. The fastest way to find what is available near you is to call 211 (a free helpline) or search for "free tax help" plus your city name online.

Key Takeaways

• VITA is the IRS's free tax preparation program for households earning under $60,000 and can help you claim the Child Tax Credit and other credits you may be owed.
• You can find a VITA site near you by searching the IRS locator at irs.gov or by calling 211.
• Bring your Social Security numbers, proof of income (W-2s, 1099s, or pay stubs), and documentation of any childcare expenses or education costs if you think you may may have access to for related credits.
• Community nonprofits and your state's tax agency also offer free tax help during tax season, and some provide assistance year-round.

How to Find a VITA Site

The IRS maintains a searchable map of VITA locations at irs.gov/vita. You can search by zip code or city name. Most sites operate during tax season (January through April), though some run year-round in community centers, libraries, and nonprofits.

If you cannot find a site online or prefer to speak with someone, call 211 and tell them you are looking for free tax preparation. They can tell you which VITA sites are open in your area and whether any are currently accepting new clients. Some sites fill up and stop taking appointments before April 15, so calling ahead is worth the time.

You can also contact your local library or community center directly — many host VITA volunteers on specific days each week, and staff there can tell you the schedule.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your Social Security number and your children's Social Security numbers. You will also need proof of income: W-2s from your employer, 1099s if you are self-employed or a contractor, or recent pay stubs. If you received unemployment benefits, bring documentation of that too.

If you think you may be owed the Child Tax Credit, bring your children's birth dates and proof that they lived with you for more than half the year (school records, lease, or utility bills work). If you paid for childcare so you could work, bring receipts or a statement from your childcare provider showing what you paid and their tax ID number — this helps you claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Bring any other tax documents you have: mortgage interest statements, property tax records, education expenses, or medical bills. The volunteer can review them and let you know what reduces your taxes.

Other Free Tax Help Options

If VITA is not available in your area or the sites are full, your state's Department of Revenue or Taxation often runs its own free tax help program. Search "[your state] free tax preparation" to find it. Some states partner with nonprofits to offer free help; others run their own hotlines.

Community nonprofits that focus on tax help, financial literacy, or low-income services frequently offer free tax preparation during tax season. The National Association of Community Action Agencies (nacaa.org) can point you to nonprofits in your area. Many also help with the Child Tax Credit specifically because it is one of the largest credits families with children can claim.

Some employers and labor unions also offer free tax preparation to members. If you belong to a union or your employer has an employee assistance program, ask whether tax help is included.

What Happens After Your Return Is Prepared

Once the volunteer prepares your return, you will review it together before it is filed. You can ask questions about any line, and the volunteer will explain what each credit means and why you may have access to. If you do not understand something, ask — this is your return and your money.

You can choose to file electronically (usually the fastest way to get a refund) or by mail. If you file electronically, you may receive your refund within two to three weeks. If you file by mail, it typically takes four to six weeks. The volunteer will tell you which option is available at that site.

Keep a copy of your return for your records. You will need it if the IRS has questions later, and it is useful to have when you apply for other programs that ask about your income.

Free Help If You Received a Notice from the IRS

If the IRS sent you a letter about your taxes or your refund, you can bring it to a VITA appointment. The volunteer can help you understand what the letter says and what you need to do. You do not have to hire someone to respond to an IRS notice — VITA volunteers are trained to help with this.

If you need help after tax season ends, the IRS also runs a free phone line: 1-800-829-1040. You can ask questions about your return, your refund status, or a notice you received. Wait times are long during tax season, but the service is free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to speak English to use VITA?

No. Many VITA sites have volunteers who speak Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, and other languages. When you search for a site or call 211, ask whether an interpreter is available or whether a Spanish-speaking volunteer works there.

What if I am self-employed or have a complicated return?

VITA volunteers are trained to handle self-employment income, rental income, and other situations beyond a simple W-2 return. If your situation is very complex, the volunteer will let you know during your appointment whether they can help or whether you may need a paid preparer. Most household situations, including self-employment, are within VITA's scope.

Can VITA help me claim the Child Tax Credit if I did not file a return last year?

Yes. You can file a return for the current year and claim the Child Tax Credit even if you did not file in previous years. The volunteer will prepare your return for the tax year you are filing. If you think you are owed credits from earlier years, ask the volunteer — some situations allow you to file amended returns.

What if I do not have all my documents when I go to my appointment?

Tell the volunteer what you are missing. They can often work with what you have and tell you what to bring back or mail in later. Some sites will hold your return and file it once you provide the missing information. It is better to go with incomplete documents than to miss the deadline.

Is the information I give VITA kept private?

Yes. VITA volunteers are bound by the same confidentiality rules as paid tax preparers. Your information is not shared with anyone except the IRS when your return is filed. You can ask the volunteer about their privacy practices when you arrive.