Find and Use Free Tax and Benefits Help

Refundable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit go unclaimed when people don’t file or don’t know they qualify. Free help is available in most communities.

• Find a free tax site: the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs have a site locator on IRS.gov, and IRS Free File serves eligible filers online.
• Start benefits questions with 211, by phone or at 211.org, then use your state or county human-services portal to apply.
• Bring the right papers: photo ID, Social Security cards for everyone on the return, all W-2s and 1099s, and last year’s return if you have it.
• Avoid paying for free services. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to file a benefits application or promises a bigger refund.