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First the bad news. If you are reading this on after April 15 th , you have missed the deadline to
file your taxes. The good news is If you live in California, the deadline has been extended to
October 15, 2025. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and State of California has extended the
deadline due to the deadly wildfires in January.
There’s more good news. You can have your taxes prepared free by a professional if you
qualify.
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
programs offer free basic tax return preparation
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who
need assistance if they meet the following guidelines:
People who generally make $67,000 or less
Persons with disabilities; and
Limited English-speaking taxpayers
The TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older,
specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS
partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The
IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated
with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
VITA/TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing
tax returns. All VITA/TCE volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training
that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and
confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their
knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared
at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE
volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the
preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.
Find a VITA or TCE site near you
VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries,
schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country. VITA and TCE
offices generally operate from February to May, although some operate year-round,
depending on the location. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site near you, use the website at
https://freetaxprepla.com or call (800) 906-9887.
