IRS Launches $53 Million Grant Program to Fund Free Tax Prep Nationwide
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now accepting applications for critical grant funding that supports free federal tax preparation for older adults and underserved communities across the country. From May 1 through May 31, 2026, eligible organizations can apply for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grants, with a total of $53 million in funding available.
The grant program received $12 million for TCE and $41 million for VITA in 2026, underscoring the IRS’s commitment to supporting tax assistance for vulnerable 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,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano.
Immediate Impact: Who Benefits and How
This funding opportunity is crucial as it expands free tax return preparation and counseling services, especially serving taxpayers aged 60 and older—a group served by the TCE program since its establishment in 1978. Meanwhile, the VITA program focuses on underserved communities who often face hurdles accessing reliable tax help. Originally launched in 1969, VITA was supplemented by a grant program in 2007 to expand services in both urban and non-urban areas.
These grants enable community organizations to enhance electronic filing capabilities, provide volunteer training, and improve return accuracy, vital steps to help lower-income and hard-to-reach taxpayers meet their tax obligations without added burden.
Apply Now: Critical Deadline Approaches Fast
Organizations interested in applying must visit Grants.gov between May 1 and May 31, 2026. Detailed information and application guidance are available on IRS resources, including:
- Publication 1101 – Application Package and Guidelines for Managing a TCE Program
- Publication 4671 – VITA Grant Program Overview and Application Instructions
- Publication 6085 – Tax Counseling for the Elderly Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Publication 6086 – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity
The IRS also provides extensive training and technical support for grantees to ensure quality tax assistance across the United States.
Why This Matters Right Now
Millions of Americans rely on free tax help to navigate complex federal tax returns, especially older adults who often have unique issues involving pensions and retirement plans. The expanding VITA program helps bridge the gap for underserved and lower-income populations who face barriers to accessing paid tax professionals. With the tax season ongoing, this injection of funding will directly impact taxpayer access to vital support.
“Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs provide invaluable, free assistance to taxpayers in need,” said IRS CEO Frank J. Bisignano.
The IRS grant programs keep these services available across urban and rural areas, safeguarding communities from costly errors and missed tax credits. Applying organizations play a front-line role in assisting American taxpayers at their most vulnerable time.
Next Steps for Applicants and Taxpayers
Prospective applicants should act immediately to prepare and submit their materials by the looming May deadline. For taxpayers, these grants mean continued free access to expert help for the 2026 filing season and beyond. Updates and program details will be closely monitored as IRS announces new awardees.
For more information and to apply, visit official IRS VITA and TCE grants pages.
