Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) are both programs that assist eligible individuals in filing their local, state, and federal income tax returns for free. At both site types, IRS-certified volunteers help clients identify all of the tax credits available to them.
VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including: 1) people who generally make $58,000 or less, 2) persons with disabilities, and 3) 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.
VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. To locate the site nearest you, click on the icon above.
Unlike VITA sites, TCE sites are generally operated by the AARP’s Tax Aide program. If TCE is more your speed, click on the icon above to find the site nearest you.
Even with these tools, this process can be stressful. Contact Michigan 2-1-1 for further assistance. They can help you find the nearest site and connect you with other resources!
Trusted Alternatives
Whether you make a little more than $58,000, you don’t have a free tax prep site in your area, or you just prefer filing your taxes from the comfort of your couch, check out the options below.
MyFreeTaxes is a United Way e-file program available to individuals of any income. It uses the same tax filing software other professionals use, in an easy-to-use format. As an added bonus, they offer “By Myself” and “With Assistance” options, though eligibility does vary!
The Free File Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of industry leading tax software companies partnered with the IRS to help millions e-file their federal returns for free. E-filing assistance is available to taxpayers who have a 2021 AGI of $73,000 or less. However, if you make more, they offer fillable form so you can DIY.
Michigan Free Tax Help recommends using VITA/TCE services whenever possible. Their IRS-certified volunteers have trained many hours to make sure you don’t miss out on any credits.