WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the allocation of $53 million in grants to expand free tax preparation services under the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs. These initiatives aim to assist underserved communities and older Americans by providing no-cost federal tax return preparation and filing services.
This year, the IRS awarded funding to 41 TCE and 315 VITA organizations nationwide, following a competitive selection process that reviewed 445 applications seeking over $82.9 million in funding. These grants will enhance the reach of community services, particularly for low- to moderate-income individuals, non-English-speaking taxpayers, and seniors over the age of 60.
Expanding Access and Impact
The TCE program, established in 1978, focuses on providing specialized tax counseling services for older Americans. Meanwhile, the VITA program, created in 1969, serves historically underserved communities by offering free income tax preparation for low-income taxpayers and those facing language barriers. The grant funding helps expand both programs’ operations, ensuring a broader geographic impact and greater accessibility for vulnerable populations.
The IRS partners with a range of organizations, including non-profits, faith-based institutions, and community centers, to implement these programs. The agency provides comprehensive training, certification, and oversight to volunteers supporting these initiatives, ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of their services.
These programs are critical in addressing financial inequities by helping eligible taxpayers maximize their refunds and claim credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Through the TCE and VITA grants, the IRS continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting taxpayers who face barriers in navigating the complex tax system.
With this latest grant cycle, the IRS highlights its pledge to work alongside community organizations to promote equitable access to tax assistance, particularly for those who may otherwise struggle to meet their tax obligations.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.