5 Eligibility Requirement Options For Free Tax Prep Services

If you are an individual who meets one of the following eligibility requirements, you may be able to get free tax prep services. Filing taxes can be a confusing and tedious process, even if you are utilizing e-file taxes. This is why so many people are willing to pay for tax prep services instead of doing it themselves. However, you may not need to pay for these services if you meet certain requirements. Before spending money, you should see if you qualify for free services. Read on to learn about eligibility requirements for free tax prep services.

Individuals with Low Income

Individuals with low income may be eligible for free tax prep services. Each organization has different requirements for what is considered low income. However, most organizations define low income as approximately $50,000 a year or less. If you qualify, a great place to start is the government service VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). VITA is a well-known service staffed by IRS-certified volunteers. If you meet the requirements for being considered low income, you may be able to use tax prep services for free.

Seniors

If you are over the age of 60, you may be able to use tax prep services for free. For example, the government program TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) is a free service made specifically for seniors. This service can help answer your senior-specific questions about pensions, retirement, and post-retirement jobs. It is run by volunteers trained by the IRS. If you are a senior looking for help with tax preparation, it is important to know that you have free options.

Veterans and Current Service Members

Veterans and current members of the military are eligible for access to free tax prep services. If you are in this group, one of the best resources you have is MilTax. MilTax is a free government service that specializes in military tax counseling. This tax prep service is available to soldiers who are on active duty, retired, honorably discharged, members of the reserve, and more. Additionally, family members and dependents may also be eligible for this service. Whether you are a veteran or current service member, you and your family can take advantage of free tax prep services.

College Students

If you are a college student, you may be able to utilize tax prep services at no cost. Many universities partner with tax prep services to make filing your taxes easier. One organization that often partners with schools is the government program VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Through this type of partnership, your college can offer free tax prep services. To find out if you can access these services, contact your university. As a college student filing taxes on your own for possibly the first time, tax prep services are a great resource. If your university offers free tax prep services, be sure to take advantage of them.

Individuals With Disabilities

People with disabilities often qualify for free tax prep services. The government defines disability as an impairment that will result in death or last longer than 12 months. The disability can be either physical or mental. If you have one or more disabilities, you may be eligible for free tax prep services. Again, VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is a great free resource. If you anticipate having difficulty with your taxes, skip the frustration and use a free tax prep service. As someone with a disability, you can use a free tax prep service to make your life easier.

If you meet any of these 5 eligibility requirements, you may qualify for free tax prep services. For one, those with low income can often use these services for free. Seniors over the age of 60 are also often eligible. Furthermore, free tax prep services are available to veterans, current members of the military, and their families. Additionally, college students may be able to get tax prep help through their schools. Lastly, disabled individuals can utilize these free resources as well. Tax prep is hard enough as it is without having to pay for it, so take advantage of free tax prep services if you can. These 5 criteria can help you determine whether you meet the requirements for using tax prep services for free.