WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service is accepting applications through May 31 for its Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grant programs, which fund organizations that provide free federal tax return preparation services.
The agency said eligible organizations can receive annual funding for up to three years through the programs. In 2026, the IRS awarded $12 million to Tax Counseling for the Elderly grantees and $41 million to Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grantees.
Applications for both programs opened May 1 through Grants.gov, according to the IRS. Additional application details are available through the agency’s VITA and TCE grants information page.
Frank J. Bisignano, chief executive officer of the IRS, said the programs provide assistance to underserved taxpayers and older Americans.
“The VITA program, which has been around for more than 50 years, provides help to America’s underserved populations, while the TCE program offers specialized assistance for older Americans related to pensions and retirement plans,” Bisignano said.
The IRS established the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program in 1978 to provide tax counseling and return preparation services primarily for people age 60 and older. The agency also provides training and technical support for participating organizations nationwide.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance grant program was established in 2007 to support the original VITA initiative launched in 1969. According to the IRS, the program helps expand free tax preparation services in underserved urban and rural areas, increase electronic filing access, improve volunteer training and raise return accuracy rates at VITA sites.
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