Help with taxes is widely available and often free. You can get hands-on assistance from AARP’s Tax-Aide program, receive free resources for your needs, or benefit from the IRS’ tax help programs, all with no cost 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 start or who to trust regarding their retirement income, Social Security benefits, and other related matters.
Luckily, there are programs designed to make filing season easier for older adults.
Seniors and veterans can access free tax preparation assistance through programs such as 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 safeguard 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 for tax questions, how to access your tax refunds, and how to find 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 to do is 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 organization that advocates for older Americans and provides resources such as medical care, senior discounts, tax assistance, personal finance guidance, 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 on 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 are unaware that the IRS offers two programs to assist 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 assistance to individuals aged 60 and older, handling returns, pensions, and retirement-related issues. Most TCE sites are operated by AARP’s Tax-Aide program, so you can apply through either.
Both VITA and TCE’s services are provided by IRS-certified volunteers who are often affiliated with other nonprofit organizations, such as AARP.
Before working with the IRS, volunteers undergo rigorous tax law training and must meet high standards, so you can rest assured that you’ll receive 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 (such as income statements, receipts, photo ID, and driver's license) before your appointment is also wise to avoid delays.
How to Reach an IRS Live Person Phone Number
If you want to speak with an IRS representative, you can call 800-829-1040 to be connected with a customer service representative. Or, you can get your answers through the automated system.
VIDEO: Free Tax Help for Seniors and Veterans
Free Tax Help for Veterans
Veterans can receive free tax help in multiple ways. Here’s a roundup of some programs that may help those who qualify:
IRS Free File
If your annual gross income is less than $89,000, you’ll be eligible for the IRS Free File software provider. The software allows you to easily calculate and file your taxes without incurring any fees.
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 instructions to guide you through the form. You’ll have access to only a limited set of calculations and will not be able to file state tax returns.
MilTax
MilTax is a free tool offered by the Department of Defense for the military community. With no income limits, the tool helps eligible veterans and their family members with tax preparation and e-filing.
It also offers customized support from tax consultants and is designed to accommodate the unique conditions of military life, including training pay, deployments, and other exceptional circumstances.
Free Tax Preparation Resources
Here’s a compilation of free tax preparation resources for seniors, veterans, and qualified individuals:
| Program | Who Qualifies | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| AARP Tax-Aide | Anyone (AARP membership not required) | Call 1-888-227-7669 or use the AARP Locator |
| TCE | Individuals aged 60 and older | Call 1-800-906-9887 or use the IRS online locator tool |
| VITA | Income $67,000 or less, or persons with disabilities | Call 1-800-906-9887 or use the IRS online locator tool |
| MilTax | Veterans and military family members | Access via the Department of Defense Military OneSource website |
| IRS Free File | Adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less | Access directly through IRS.gov |
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 you are certain of 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:
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Help for Seniors
Do I have to file taxes if I am retired?
You may have to file taxes if you have income from pensions, wages, or investment earnings. For the 2025 tax year, the minimum gross income for a single person 65 or older to file taxes is $17,750. You likely do not 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 by the Social Security Administration. You will report the amount on line 6a of Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors.
Can I deduct medical expenses?
If you itemize 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.
Final Thoughts About Tax Help for Seniors
Filing Taxes in Retirement: It 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 the 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 is a senior care expert with over 25 years of experience in aging services, caregiving, and senior housing. She combines her professional expertise and personal caregiving insight to help families navigate aging, long-term care, and end-of-life decisions with clarity and compassion.
