IRS Invests $53 Million to Expand Free Tax Help for Seniors and Low-Income Americans in 2026

The Internal Revenue Service awarded $53 million in grants to organizations offering free tax preparation services across the country. The funding supports two federal programs designed to help older Americans and low-income taxpayers file their returns. IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said the grants ensure volunteer tax assistance organizations have sufficient funding to help individuals in need at local centers nationwide. He said the IRS recognizes the important work these organizations do.

The grant process drew 479 applications from organizations nationwide requesting over $79 million in total funding. The IRS selected 363 recipients, distributing money to community centers, nonprofits, faith-based groups, and other local organizations. Specifically, 48 organizations received Tax Counseling for the Elderly grants and 315 received Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grants, according to the agency’s announcement. These partners will operate free tax preparation sites staffed by IRS-trained volunteers during the 2026 performance period.

The programs target populations that often face barriers to filing, including seniors, individuals with limited English proficiency, and those earning low to moderate incomes. Volunteers work at libraries, community centers, and similar venues to prepare federal returns and offer electronic filing at no charge. The IRS provides training, certification, and oversight to help organizations prepare accurate returns for underserved communities nationwide.

Two Long-Running Programs Receive Federal Support

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program has operated since 1978, specifically serving taxpayers age 60 and older. TCE received grants for 48 organizations this year, providing volunteers with IRS training and certification to deliver tax counseling and return preparation. The program offers help at community locations across the nation, according to the IRS. Volunteers receive technical assistance to help older adults with their federal tax returns.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, established in 1969, helps underserved communities, including low- and moderate-income taxpayers. VITA grants went to 315 organizations nationwide, significantly more recipients than the elderly-focused program. The program assists multiple vulnerable populations, including those with limited English proficiency, according to the IRS. Grant recipients provide free federal tax return preparation and electronic filing.

Both programs rely on partnerships with organizations ranging from large employers to faith-based groups. The IRS provides tax law training, certification, and oversight to these organizations, assisting their efforts to prepare accurate returns, according to the agency. Community partners include nonprofits, community centers, and other local groups. Volunteers help taxpayers file returns at no cost throughout the filing season.

Grant Competition Shows High Demand for Free Services

Organizations requested over $79 million in funding while the IRS allocated $53 million, according to the agency’s announcement. The 479 applications came from organizations seeking to provide or expand free tax assistance services. The IRS selected 363 grant recipients from this applicant pool. This year’s awards went to 48 Tax Counseling for the Elderly applicants and 315 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance applicants.

Both VITA and TCE grant recipients provide electronic filing services in addition to return preparation, according to the IRS. VITA assists underserved communities with free preparation and electronic filing, while TCE offers these services specifically to individuals age 60 and older. The IRS Free File program provides another option for eligible taxpayers to file electronically at no cost, according to the agency.

The IRS provides training and certification to volunteers before they assist taxpayers, according to the agency. Volunteers receive technical assistance to help them prepare accurate returns. The IRS also provides oversight to organizations running VITA and TCE sites. The agency said the grants ensure sites have the resources and training needed to continue serving taxpayers during the filing season.

Resources Available as Filing Season Progresses

A list of grant recipients has been available on IRS.gov since January 31, 2026, according to the agency. The online information helps taxpayers find local sites and volunteer opportunities through IRS resources. Organizations receiving grants will use the funds during the 2026 performance period in line with IRS program rules. Program details and application information for VITA and TCE grants are available on the IRS website.

Individuals interested in becoming TCE or VITA volunteers can visit IRS Tax Volunteers on IRS.gov for details, according to the agency. The IRS maintains partnerships with community organizations across the country to develop these programs. Community partners include nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community centers, and large employers. The IRS provides tax law training, certification, and oversight to these organizations to help prepare accurate returns.

Bisignano said the IRS recognizes the important work these organizations do and salutes their efforts. The grants ensure that VITA and TCE organizations have sufficient funding to assist individuals in need at local centers across the nation, he said. The programs provide free federal tax return preparation to seniors, low- and moderate-income individuals, and limited English proficient taxpayers during the 2026 filing season.