Resources for Tax-Related Help from Humans
August 20, 2021

Last Updated 12/13/2022

Sometimes people have questions about the Child Tax Credit, other tax credits, or tax filing that are not easily answered through an online resource or FAQ. Consider these resources when you need to connect someone with a human.

Filing a Tax Return

  • IRS Free Tax Preparation Locator: Contact your local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites for free tax help from an IRS-certified volunteer. The list is updated at the beginning of the tax filing season. Some sites require appointments and have limited capacity.
  • Code for America’s Get Your Refund Service: This website connects users with an IRS-certified volunteer that can help you file your taxes online for free. Capacity is sometimes limited.
  • MyFreeTaxes.com: Provides software for people to file their federal and state tax returns for free. User support is available through a helpline. People can also get connected to a VITA site for additional help.
  • 211: This hotline service from United Way connects people to local resources for support. It can direct callers to any free tax filing services and many locations can answer basic questions about the CTC.

Tax Filing Challenges

  • Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC): LITCs are programs at law schools, accounting schools, or legal services offices that provide low-cost assistance and legal representation for eligible taxpayers who are in disputes with the IRS.
  • Community Legal Aid: Local legal aid services can provide free or low-cost legal help for people experiencing tax issues.
  • Law Help: Locate free or low-cost legal aid in your area. Select your statethen find information about your topic of interest, such as family, divorce, and children.
  • Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that can help people navigate and resolve tax issues. They currently cannot help people experiencing a refund delay. Contact your local office to learn what assistance is provided.
  • IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs): These locations provide limited support with tax filing matters. Some locations are designated to verify identification documents necessary to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) so that the originals do not need to be mailed to the IRS. Appointments are required. Contact your local TAC to verify services offered and to schedule an appointment.
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