Whether they prepare and file their own tax returns or get in-person help, there are easy, secure and free tax filing options for seniors.

In-person IRS Help for Seniors and Low-Income Taxpayers

Eligible taxpayers can have their taxes prepared in person for free with these two programs:

• Tax Counseling for the Elderly: The TCE program prioritizes taxpayers aged 60 and older. TCE specializes in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance: The VITA program is generally for people who make $60,000 or less, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers. VITA assistance is often provided at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations.

What to Bring to Your Local VITA or TCE Site

• Proof of identification (driver’s license, state photo ID or other government issued identification that includes a photo)
• Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents
• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
• Social Security Benefit Statements (SSA-1099), if applicable
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
• Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
• Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
• Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
• Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
• Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable

IRS Free File

Many seniors and retirees can file their taxes for free with IRS Free File at IRS.gov/freefile. The program offers online tax preparation software for taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $79,000 or less in 2023.

Adjusted gross income, also known as (AGI), is defined as total income minus deductions, or "adjustments" to income that you are eligible to take.

• Gross income includes wages, dividends, capital gains, business and retirement income as well as all other forms income. Examples of income include tips, rents, interest, stock dividends, etc.
• Adjustments to income are deductions that reduce total income to arrive at AGI. Examples of adjustments include half of the self-employment taxes you pay; self-employed health insurance premiums; contributions to certain retirement accounts (such as a traditional IRA); student loan interest paid; educator expenses, etc.

With IRS Free File, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free. One is available in Spanish. IRS Free File partners set their own eligibility rules based on income, age and state residency.

With IRS Free File, Taxpayers Can:

• Find the product that’s right for them with the Find Your Trusted Partner tool.
• File Form 1040-SR for seniors over the age of 65 and find the most common forms that can be filed electronically.

IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smartphone or tablet.

Free File Fillable Forms

Taxpayers with an AGI over $79,000 can use Free File Fillable Forms. Fillable Forms don't include guided preparation, so taxpayers need to be comfortable completing their own tax forms.

Veterans Can File with MilTax

Certain veterans, military retirees and military survivors can file their taxes with MilTax online, which is offered through the Department of Defense. With MilTax, eligible taxpayers can prepare and file their federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for free.

IRS Direct File

Taxpayers in 12 states may be eligible to file for free with the IRS Direct File pilot, a new tax filing service from the IRS.