This Tax Season, Seniors Can Get Free Assistance

When it comes to filing your 2022 federal tax return for the 2023 tax season, you may be able to access several forms of assistance for free.

Filing Online: IRS Free File

In January 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Free File service opened to taxpayers. Through IRS Free File, you can prepare and file your federal individual tax online — at no cost to you.

The service is made possible by volunteers and enables you to file your taxes from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

The product options available to you may vary based on such factors as your gross income, location, and number of dependents:

• If you are a taxpayer who made $73,000 or less in 2022, you may qualify for IRS Free File Guided Tax Preparation. This service assists you in preparing as well as filing your federal income tax return through an IRS partner site for free.

• Taxpayers who made more than $73,000 in 2022 may be interested in taking advantage of the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms. These are digital federal tax forms that you can complete, sign, and file online at no cost

Do I Need to Apply for Free File?

You do not need to apply for Free File. Simply visit the IRS’s Free File Lookup Tool and answer a series of questions to find out what product(s) you may be eligible to use.

Learn more about each service on the IRS website.

In-Person Support: Saturday Walk-In Hours

For those who would prefer in-person help, the IRS will now also be offering special Saturday hours to aid taxpayers at locations across the country.

There is no need to schedule an appointment for these special hours; you can walk in to speak directly with an IRS employee.

When Will Special IRS Saturday Hours Be Held?

Special Saturday hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in many states — as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico — on the following dates:

• Saturday, March 11, 2023

• Saturday, April 8, 2023

• Saturday, May 13, 2023

Prior to visiting an IRS office offering this service, be sure to double-check the IRS website for details regarding its Saturday hours.

“These walk-in locations are critical, and funding from the Inflation Reduction Act is allowing us to add more employees across the nation to better assist taxpayers this filing season and beyond,” Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O’Connell said in an IRS news release. “These special Saturday hours will help people get the services they need.”

Find more information about locations offering special Saturday hours, what to expect during your visit, what documents you will need to bring, and more.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

In addition, the IRS provides free assistance in tax return preparation for seniors, people with disabilities, taxpayers with annual income below $58,000, and taxpayers who are not fluent in English. It is called the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

Where Is the VITA Program Available?

You can find a VITA office near you on the IRS website; search by your ZIP code.

TCE: Free Tax Preparation for Seniors

Seniors can also benefit from the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program, which is also free. If you a taxpayer who is aged 60 or older, you can connect throughout tax season with a volunteer who can help you prepare your tax return. Locate an office with this service near you.

When Is Tax Season, Exactly?

The 2023 tax season officially began January 23, 2023. This is the date on which the IRS begins processing tax returns from the 2022 tax year. Tax season ends each year in mid-April.

When Are Tax Returns Due for the 2023 Tax Season?

In most cases, you should file your individual income taxes for the 2022 tax year by April 18, 2023. Extensions are available in certain circumstances. If you request an extension, your deadline for filing is October 16, 2023.