Tax Time Resources for Families

Tax season can feel stressful, especially for busy families juggling work, school, and everything in between. The good news is that several free, official resources exist to help you prepare and file your return. Knowing where to look ahead of time can save you money on preparation fees and help you avoid common mistakes.

This guide covers free filing options, free in-person tax help, family-related tax credits worth learning about, and simple ways to stay organized.

Free ways to file your taxes

You do not always need to pay for tax software or a tax preparer. The IRS supports a few free options.

IRS Free File

IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and several tax software companies. Through it, people below a certain income level can use guided tax software at no charge. The income limit and the list of participating software companies can change from year to year, so start at the official IRS Free File page rather than going directly to a company’s website. Going through IRS.gov helps make sure you land on the free version and not a paid product.

There is also a Free File Fillable Forms option, which works like electronic paper forms. It is available regardless of income but offers less step-by-step guidance, so it fits people who are comfortable doing their own taxes.

VITA and TCE free tax help

If you would rather have a person help you, look into these two IRS-supported programs:

• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) offers free tax preparation for people who generally have low to moderate incomes, people with disabilities, and people with limited English.
• TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) offers free tax help with a focus on people age 60 and older, including questions about pensions and retirement.

Volunteers are trained and certified through IRS programs. Sites are often located in libraries, community centers, schools, and places of worship. Many open in late January and close after the filing season ends. You can find a site near you through the locator tool on IRS.gov or by calling 211.

What to bring to a volunteer site

Sites usually ask you to bring:

• Photo ID for yourself and your spouse, if filing jointly
• Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
• All income forms, such as W-2s and 1099s
• Information about childcare costs and the provider
• A copy of last year’s return, if you have it
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit

Call ahead or check the site’s details, since requirements can vary.

Family-related tax credits worth learning about

Tax credits can reduce the amount of tax you owe, and some may increase your refund. Several credits are connected to having children or other dependents. The rules for each credit are set by law, and amounts and income limits change over time, so always check IRS.gov for current details.

Credits families often research include:

• The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). A credit for working people with low to moderate incomes. The rules depend on income, filing status, and number of children. Many people who could use it never file for it, so it is worth reading about each year.
• The Child Tax Credit. A credit connected to having children under a certain age who meet IRS requirements.
• The Child and Dependent Care Credit. A credit related to paying for care for a child or dependent so that you can work or look for work.
• Education credits. Credits such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit relate to certain college and training costs.

Some states also offer their own versions of these credits. Your state’s tax agency website is the best place to learn about state credits.

Whether any credit applies to your family depends on IRS and state rules. Tax software and trained volunteers will ask questions to work through those rules with you.

Things to consider

• Watch out for refund advance offers. Some tax preparers offer to give you part of your refund right away. Read the terms carefully. Some of these products are short-term financial products that may carry fees or interest, and some are tied to paid tax preparation. Ask exactly what you will pay in total before agreeing to anything.
• Compare preparation fees. If you do use a paid preparer, ask for the total cost up front. Fees can add up when extra forms or add-on services are included.
• Be careful about who you trust. Make sure any paid preparer has a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and signs your return. Avoid anyone who bases their fee on the size of your refund.
• Watch for tax scams. The IRS generally contacts people first by mail, not by phone call, text, or social media. Be wary of messages demanding immediate payment or asking for personal details.
• Direct deposit is usually faster. Electronic filing with direct deposit is typically the quickest way to receive a refund from the IRS.

Keeping good records all year

Tax time is much easier when records are in one place. A few simple habits can help:

• Pick one spot. Use a folder, envelope, or digital folder labeled with the tax year.
• Save forms as they arrive. W-2s, 1099s, and childcare statements usually arrive in January and February.
• Track childcare payments. Keep receipts and your provider’s name, address, and tax ID number.
• Keep copies of your return. After filing, save a copy of the return along with supporting documents.
• Store records safely. Because tax documents contain sensitive information, keep them somewhere secure.

The IRS generally recommends keeping tax records for at least three years, though some situations call for longer.

Where to get more help

If you have questions, these places are good starting points:

• IRS.gov for forms, credit information, and the free tax help locator
• Your state’s tax agency for state returns and state credits
• 211 to find local free tax help sites and other community resources
• Local libraries, which sometimes host volunteer tax sites or have printed forms

Preparing early, using free resources, and reading the fine print on any offer can make tax season calmer for the whole family. Other guides on this site cover budgeting and household savings ideas you can use once your return is filed.