IRS awards $53 million for 2026 VITA and TCE tax help programs

The IRS is awarding $53 million in grants to support the VITA and TCE no‑cost tax-preparation programs for 2026, selecting 48 TCE and 315 VITA applicants from 479 applications.

The Internal Revenue Service is awarding $53 million in grants to support free tax-preparation services during the 2026 filing season. The funds are directed to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, which provide no-cost federal tax filing help to older adults, low- and moderate-income taxpayers, and other underserved groups. The IRS said the grants will help community centers, nonprofits and local organizations operate free tax-prep sites and expand access to accurate returns and electronic filing. Volunteers for the programs are trained and certified by the IRS and placed at libraries, community centers and other local venues. Key details: - The IRS designated $53 million in grant funding for VITA and TCE in 2026. - Awards went to 48 TCE applicants and 315 VITA applicants, chosen from 479 total applications that requested more than $79 million in funding. - TCE, established in 1978, provides free counseling and return preparation for people age 60 and older. - VITA, created in 1969, assists low- and moderate-income taxpayers and those with limited English proficiency with no-cost preparation and e-filing. - The grants support resources, training and oversight for local sites operated by community organizations. Summary: The grants are intended to ensure sites have the resources and training needed to continue serving taxpayers who typically need the most help. A full list of 2026 grant recipients will be posted on IRS.gov beginning January 31, 2026, and awarded funds will be used during the 2026 performance period in line with IRS program rules.