For more than 40 years, the IRS has partnered with nonprofit and community organizations to offer tax preparation services. Each year millions of people have their tax returns prepared for free by volunteers. These volunteers are part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

 

Here are the tips the IRS wants you to know about VITA:

 

• The IRS sponsors the VITA program. They work with local community groups to both train and certify volunteers.

• The VITA program generally offers free tax return preparation and e-filing to people who earn $52,000 or less.

• VITA provides free tax assistance to military members and their families.

• VITA offers free electronic filing. An e-filed tax return is the safest and most accurate way to file. Using e-file combined with direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund.