The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is putting $53 million into free tax‑help programs for seniors and low‑income Americans in 2026.
Why It Matters
Grants are to be awarded for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, which provide no-cost federal tax preparation nationwide.
This cash will support free tax filing services for older adults, low- and moderate-income taxpayers, and other underserved groups, expanding access to accurate returns and electronic filing during the 2026 filing season, according to the IRS.
What To Know
The agency announced it has awarded funds to support two long‑running programs: TCE, which offers free tax help for people 60 and older, and the VITA program, which helps low‑ and moderate‑income taxpayers, including those with limited English proficiency.
This year’s awards went to 48 TCE applicants and 315 VITA applicants, selected from 479 total applications that sought more than $79 million in funding, according to an IRS release.
The money helps community centers, nonprofits, and local organizations run free tax‑prep sites nationwide.
Volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS, then placed in libraries, community centers, and other local venues to help people file accurate federal returns at no cost.
TCE, established in 1978, provides free counseling and return preparation for people age 60 and older, with IRS-supported training and technical assistance for volunteers at community locations, the agency said.
VITA, created in 1969, assists underserved communities—including low- and moderate-income taxpayers and those with limited English proficiency—with no-cost preparation and e-filing, and the grants help expand services to these populations, according to the IRS.
The IRS says these grants ensure sites have the resources, training, and oversight needed to keep serving taxpayers who typically need the most help.
What People Are Saying
IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said: “These grants ensure that VITA and elderly tax-counseling organizations have sufficient funding to provide assistance to individuals in need at local centers across the nation.
“The IRS recognizes the important work these organizations do and salutes their efforts.”
What Happens Next
A full list of 2026 grant recipients will be posted on IRS.gov beginning January 31, 2026.
Prospective volunteers and taxpayers will be able to find local sites and volunteer opportunities through IRS resources, and organizations will use grant funds during the 2026 performance period in line with IRS program rules.
Program details, application information and operational guidance for VITA and TCE grants, including timelines and eligible uses of funds, are available on IRS.gov.
