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Using IRS e-file at VITA/TCE Sites:
A Free Service for Taxpayers

This is archived information that pertains only to the 1999 Tax Year. If you
are looking for information for the current tax year, go to the Tax Prep Help Area.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) program(s) and IRS e-file joined forces several years ago to bring electronic tax filing to VITA/TCE sites. Since then, volunteers prepare tax return information on computers and ultimately transmit them electronically to the IRS. And it’s free.

IRS trained volunteers prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at VITA sites for individuals of low to moderate income, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking taxpayers and the elderly. Such volunteers also prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at TCE sites for individuals 60 years of age or older. Many of these VITA/TCE sites offer IRS e-file free of charge to the taxpayer.

For the VITA/TCE site nearest you, contact the IRS Taxpayer Education Coordinator at your local IRS office. Or contact the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to find out the nearest TCE/Tax-Aide site by calling 1-888-227-7669. In addition, you may also access AARP’s web page.


What are the benefits of using IRS e-file at a VITA/TCE site?

  • It’s a free service – no fees for electronic filing or tax preparation service
  • Refunds are fast – Refunds received in half the time as when filed on paper – even faster with Direct Deposit
  • Returns are accurate – Fewer errors means fewer contact with IRS
  • Acknowledgment is provided – Proof of IRS receipt
  • It’s convenient – VITA/TCE sites are easily accessible, i.e., libraries, shopping malls, local community centers, etc.
  • One-stop filing with Federal/State e-file – Federal and state returns can be e-filed at the same time


What forms and/or schedules can be e-filed at these sites?

Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and Schedules A and B are accepted.


What refund and/or payment options are available when using IRS e-file?

If you are eligible for a refund, you have the option of having your refund directly deposited into a checking or savings account, receiving a paper check or you may apply the refund to your estimated tax payments.

With IRS e-file, you may file now and pay by April 15 by authorizing a direct debit from your checking or savings account as part of your return or by mailing a check or money order (made out to the United States Treasury) using Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher. You may also pay by phone using a credit card (MasterCard®, American Express® or NOVUS/Discover®) by dialing 1-888-2PAY-TAX. If paying by credit card, the charge will appear as any other purchase on your next billing statement. A convenience fee will be charged by the private company processing the credit card payment.


Where are VITA/TCE sites located?

VITA and TCE sites can be found in community centers, libraries, churches, shopping malls, retirement homes, etc. Contact your local IRS Taxpayer Education or Electronic Tax Administration Coordinator or the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) for more details.


What fees are involved?

None. VITA/TCE sites offer free tax preparation assistance and free electronic filing.

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