Help with taxes is widely available, and it’s also free. You can get hands-on assistance from AARP’s Tax-Aide program, receive free resources for your needs, or benefit from IRS’ tax help programs—all with no money and minimal hassle.
As the April tax deadline approaches, filing taxes can feel overwhelming at any age, but the process comes with different considerations for seniors and veterans.
Many senior taxpayers are unsure where to begin or who to trust regarding their retirement income, Social Security benefits, etc.
Luckily, there are programs designed to make things easier for older adults during filing season.
Seniors and veterans can access free tax preparation help through programs like AARP Tax-Aide, IRS VITA, and TCE. Veterans also have access to MilTax. The IRS offers online tools and phone support for tax questions. To stay safe, seniors should watch for tax scams, use trusted preparers, and protect their personal information.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most accessible tax help services available to seniors and veterans. We’ll also share where to go when you have tax questions, how to access your tax refunds, and how to get online resources for help.
Tax Preparation Help for Seniors
No matter what state you live in, you can get free tax preparation help. All you need is to book an appointment, prepare the required documents, and find the right place to seek help. Here are a few:
AARP Tax Help for Seniors
AARP is a nonprofit foundation that advocates for senior Americans and helps them with medical care, senior discounts, taxes, personal finances, and job training.
With volunteers and offices in all 50 states, the foundation provides free tax preparation services through its Tax-Aide program, accessible to anyone, whether you’re an AARP member or not.
The service is run by trained IRS-certified volunteers who will help you complete, review, and file your tax return for free.
To find a nearby AARP Tax-Aide site or make an appointment, you can call 1-888-227-7669, send an email to taxaide@aarp.org, or use the site locator at the IRS website to find locations nearby.
But before applying for AARP tax preparation, you should check out this list of required documents to ensure you arrive prepared for your appointment.
IRS Tax Help for Seniors
Most people don’t know that the IRS has two programs to help seniors with tax preparation: VITA and TCE.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program that helps qualified people with basic tax return preparation. It helps those who make $67,000 or less, those with disabilities, and those who don’t speak English.
Meanwhile, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) offers tax help for those 60 years of age and older, handling returns, pensions, and retirement-related issues. Most TCE sites are operated by the AARP’s Tax-Aide program so that you can apply through either.
Both VITA and TCE’s services are provided by IRS-certified volunteers who are often associated with other nonprofit organizations like AARP.
Before working with the IRS, volunteers undergo vigorous tax law training and must meet high standards, so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting reliable service.
VITA and TCE sites are often located at shopping malls, libraries, schools, or community centers. To find the closest location, use the online locator tool or call 800-906-9887.
Preparing the required documents (like income statements, receipts, photo id, driver's license, etc…) before your appointment would also be wise to avoid any delays.
How to Reach an IRS Live Person Phone Number
If you want an IRS phone number to talk to a live person, you can call 800-829-1040 and be referred to a customer service representative. Or, you can get your answers through the automated system.
Free Tax Help for Veterans
Veterans can get free tax help in more than one way. Here’s a roundup of some programs that may help those who qualify:
IRS Free File
If your annual gross income is less than $84,000, you’ll be eligible for the IRS Free File software provider. The software lets you easily calculate and file your taxes without paying anything.
All you have to do is answer some questions to guide you, and you’ll get access to accurate calculations and free state tax preparation and filing.
Even if you don’t qualify, you can still use the Free File Fillable Forms. In this case, you’ll enter your information and receive form instructions to guide you. You’ll only have access to limited calculations and no state tax returns.
MilTax
MilTax is a free tool that the Department of Defense offers for the military community. With no income limits, the tool helps qualifying veterans and family members with tax preparation and electronic filing.
It also offers customized support from tax consultants and is designed to accommodate the special conditions of military life—training pay, deployments, etc.
Free Tax Preparation Resources
Here’s a compilation of free tax preparation resources for seniors, veterans, and qualified individuals:
- AARP Tax-Aide: Available nationwide and uses IRS-certified volunteers. Call 1-888-227-7669 or visit the AARP Tax-Aide Locator.
- TCE: An IRS-sponsored program for people 60 and older. Use the online locator tool or call 1-800-906-9887.
- VITA: Free tax help is available for people who make $67,000 or less and people with disabilities. The contact information is the same as TCE.
- IRS live assistance: Call 1-800-829-1040.
- ITA: A free online tool created by the IRS to answer basic tax questions.
- MilTax: A tool by the Department of Defense to help veterans file taxes for free.
Protecting Seniors and Veterans from Tax Scams and Fraud
Scammers often target seniors and veterans with fake tax bills and threatening calls. Staying informed is the best defense against fraud.
1. Recognize Common Scams:
- IRS Impersonation Calls: Scammers claim to be IRS agents and threaten arrest if immediate payment isn’t made.
- Fake Tax Bills: Some seniors and veterans receive fake letters that look official.
- “Help with Benefits” Scams: Scammers offer to help veterans access benefits or tax credits for a fee.
2. Know the IRS Procedures:
- The IRS will never call, email, or text asking for immediate payment.
- Official contact is usually by mail first.
- Payment is only made to the U.S. Treasury, not via gift cards or wire transfers.
3. Safeguard Personal Information:
- Shred old tax documents and financial records.
- Avoid giving Social Security numbers or VA information over the phone unless certain about the caller’s identity.
4. Use Trusted Tax Help:
- Seniors and veterans should use reputable tax preparers.
- Look for preparers with a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
- Free resources: IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
5. Report Suspicious Activity:
- Report IRS impersonation scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
- Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
Getting Answers to Your Tax Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about tax help for seniors and veterans:
Do I have to file taxes if I’m retired?
You may have to file taxes if you have income from pensions, wages, or investment earnings. As of 2024, the minimum gross income for people 65 or older to file taxes was $16,550. If you’re the head of a household, the number goes up to $23,850; if you’re married, it’s $30,750. Meanwhile, you likely don’t need to file taxes if your only income is from Social Security.
How do I report Social Security income?
You should report your Social Security income in Box 5 of Form SSA-1099, which is sent annually through the Social Security Administration. You’ll report the amount on line 6a of Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors.
Can I deduct medical expenses?
If you break down deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), you can deduct medical and dental expenses—only if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted Gross income (AGI). Payments for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, mitigation, or cure are all eligible.
How do I get help understanding my tax return?
If you need help with your tax return, you can benefit from the IRS's resources. There’s Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA), an online tool that answers your questions, or you can use the VITA and TCE programs, which offer free tax help for people who qualify. You can also call the IRS helpline at 1-800-829-1040.
How can I take money out of my retirement plan early?
You can withdraw early from your retirement plan, but you’ll pay a 10% penalty in addition to regular income tax. Withdrawals are generally considered early if you make them before you’re 59½ years old. There are exceptions to this penalty for people with certain medical expenses and permanent disabilities.
Filing taxes in retirement doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re reporting Social Security benefits, looking for deductions, or need help filling out the forms, there’s free help available through multiple sources.
Programs like AARP’s Tax-Aide and IRS’s TCE and VITA are designed to make tax season easier for seniors and veterans. Having the list of resources in your pocket lets you stay informed about your financial future and know where to seek help when you need it.
About the Author
Amie Clark
Amie has been a family caregiver for both of her grandmothers while raising children. She has also worked alongside older adults and their families as a social worker for the last two decades.
