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Free tax help and tax credits

Most people with low to moderate income can get their taxes done for free. Volunteers at VITA and AARP Tax-Aide sites prepare and file returns at no cost, and IRS Free File lets you file online yourself. Filing can also bring money back through refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, even if you don't owe any tax.

Have someone do your taxes for free

IRS-certified volunteers prepare and e-file returns for free at libraries, community centers and other local sites, mostly from late January to mid-April. People 60 and older can also use Tax Counseling for the Elderly, which includes AARP Tax-Aide sites.

Free tax preparation (VITA)Free service or coverageCertified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free. People 60 and older can also use Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), including AARP Tax-Aide sites.Who qualifies: People with low to moderate income, people with disabilities and limited-English speakers.

Do your own taxes online for free

IRS Free File offers free tax software from IRS partner companies for people under an income limit. Start from IRS.gov so you get the free version, not a paid one.

IRS Free FileFree service or coverageFree brand-name tax software to file your federal return online, and sometimes your state return too.Who qualifies: Taxpayers with income under the yearly IRS Free File limit.

Credits that can bring money back

These credits can mean a refund even if you owe no tax, but only if you file a return. Many people who qualify never claim them.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)Refundable tax creditA tax credit that can mean a refund of several thousand dollars, even if you owe no tax.Up to $8,046 · avg. $2,894Who qualifies: Workers with low to moderate income; the credit is largest for families with children.Child Tax CreditTax breakA tax credit for each child under 17, partly refundable for working families.Up to $2,200 per childWho qualifies: Taxpayers with children under 17 who have a valid Social Security number.Child and Dependent Care CreditTax breakA tax credit for part of what you pay for child care so you can work.Who qualifies: Working parents who pay for child care so they can work or look for work.Saver's CreditTax breakA tax credit for putting money into a retirement account like a 401(k) or IRA.Who qualifies: Workers with low to moderate income who save in a retirement account.Credit for the Elderly or DisabledTax breakA federal tax credit for people 65+ or retired on permanent disability with low income.Who qualifies: People 65+, or retired on permanent disability, with low income.

College costs

Students and parents paying for college can lower their taxes with an education credit.

American Opportunity Tax CreditTax breakA tax credit of up to $2,500 a year per student for the first four years of college; up to $1,000 can come back as a refund.Who qualifies: Students in their first four years of college, or parents paying for them, under the income limits.Lifetime Learning CreditTax breakA tax credit of up to $2,000 a year for tuition, including graduate school and classes to improve job skills.Who qualifies: Anyone paying for college or job-skills courses, under the income limits.

Trouble with the IRS

If you owe back taxes, got an audit letter or disagree with the IRS, a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic can help for free or a small fee.

Low Income Taxpayer ClinicsFree service or coverageFree or low-cost help with IRS disputes, audits and tax debt for people with low income.Who qualifies: Taxpayers with low income who have a dispute with the IRS, and people who speak English as a second language.

Your state's tax credits

ArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaHawaiiIllinoisIndianaKansasMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMissouriMontanaNebraskaNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkOklahomaOregonPuerto RicoRhode IslandUtahVermontWashingtonWisconsin

Good to know

  • Not every state has its own tax credits. States without an income tax, like Texas and Florida, usually don't.
  • Bring photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return, all W-2 and 1099 forms, and last year's return.
  • By law, refunds that include the EITC or the additional Child Tax Credit usually can't be sent before mid-February.
  • Some paid preparers charge high fees to claim credits you can get for free. VITA, AARP Tax-Aide and Free File handle the EITC and Child Tax Credit at no cost.
  • Never pay a preparer a fee based on the size of your refund, and never let anyone send your refund to their bank account.
  • The IRS will not call, text or email to demand immediate payment.
  • For free, confidential help from a person, call 2-1-1.

Rules, limits and deadlines change. Each program page links to the official source for current details. Choose your state to see everything available where you live.