On October 1, 2026, the IRS issued IR-2026-118, inviting volunteers and community organizations to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs during the upcoming filing season.
What the IRS Announced
VITA and TCE help eligible taxpayers prepare and file their tax returns at no cost. The IRS reported that more than 84,500 volunteers helped taxpayers file nearly 2.9 million returns in 2026.
The agency is also seeking organizations to host or sponsor preparation sites. Schools, nonprofits, financial institutions, faith-based groups, and other organizations hosted approximately 9,000 VITA/TCE sites last year.
Who Can Get Involved
No prior experience is necessary to volunteer. The IRS provides free training for different roles based on volunteers’ skills, interests, and available time. Participants range from students to retirees and serve people including seniors, taxpayers with disabilities, and residents of rural communities.
Flexible hours and virtual opportunities may be available, depending on the site; they are not guaranteed at every location.
How to Express Interest
Interested individuals and organizations can use the VITA/TCE volunteer and partner sign-up form linked in the IRS announcement. Organizations will be contacted by an IRS relationship manager to discuss next steps.
The IRS says prospective volunteers will receive a list of available local sites and an invitation to a virtual orientation approximately 14 days after submitting their interest. It encourages individuals to sign up from October through January.
Why It Matters for Small Business Owners
Free preparation programs serve eligible taxpayers, but this recruitment announcement does not establish that every self-employed return can be prepared at a participating site. Before relying on a site for a business return, confirm both eligibility and whether it can handle the specific tax situation.
Keeping business income, expenses, and supporting documents organized can help when discussing a return with a preparer. Simple-C helps Schedule C filers organize those records, but it does not determine VITA/TCE eligibility or replace professional tax advice.
This article provides general information, not tax advice. Program eligibility, available services, and volunteer opportunities vary. Confirm current details with the IRS and the participating site.