Free tax help in California — VITA and TCE programs for immigrants with ITIN

FREE tax help in California

If you earn less than approximately $60,000/year or are over 60, there are FREE programs in California to prepare your federal and state taxes.

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

VITA is an IRS program offering free preparation by certified volunteers:

Who qualifies

• Annual income up to $60,000 (verify current limit)
• People with disabilities
• Limited English speakers (bilingual sites)
• People with ITIN (no SSN)

What they do

• Prepare federal Form 1040
• Prepare California state return
• Apply for ITIN at the same time (at CAA sites)
• Electronic filing (free)
• IRS notice assistance

How to find VITA sites in California

IRS VITA Locator — official IRS tool searches by zip:

1. Go to irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
2. Click “Find a VITA Site”
3. Enter California zip code
4. List of nearby sites with address, hours, languages

Common VITA host organizations in California

• United Way: many UWs operate VITA sites
• Immigrant organizations (CHIRLA-CA, RAICES-TX, ICIRR-IL, etc.)
• Churches and community centers
• Public libraries
• Universities (student volunteers)
• AARP Foundation (TCE for 60+)

Online (alternative to site)

• GetYourRefund.org — virtual VITA, free
• MyFreeTaxes — United Way + H&R Block, low income any state
• IRS Free File — free software for incomes under $79K

TCE (Tax Counseling for Elderly)

Similar program focused on 60+. Specializes in:

• Social Security
• Pensions
• Retirement account distributions
• Medicare premiums

Find TCE

• AARP Foundation Tax-Aide — AARP sites in California
• Phone: 1-888-227-7669

For immigrants specifically

ITIN connection

If you’ve NEVER applied for ITIN: many VITA sites are also CAA (Certifying Acceptance Agent):

• File Form W-7 LIVE with you
• Return your documents at the same appointment (don’t mail to IRS)
• Eliminate risk of losing passport by mail

Notario fraud — ⚠️ AVOID

• VITA is FREE and official
• DO NOT PAY “notario” $200-$500 for a simple return
• VITA volunteers are local people certified by IRS

Documents to bring

1. Identity: passport, matrícula consular (for you and spouse)
2. ID numbers: SSN cards / ITIN cards (for ALL on return, including kids)
3. Income: ALL W-2s, 1099s, K-1s
4. Deductible expenses: medical receipts, donations, kids’ school
5. Prior year return (if any — speeds process)
6. Bank info for direct refund (account + routing)
7. For ITIN: original passport or consular documents

Online free sites

• GetYourRefund.org — virtual VITA, Q&A
• MyFreeTaxes.com — guided, free, supports California state return
• IRS Free File — guided software for incomes under $79,000

Related information

• How to apply for ITIN (Form W-7)
• File taxes with ITIN
• Documents for ITIN
• Tax software in Spanish
• States without state tax

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General information. For specific assistance, contact a VITA site or certified tax professional.

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Related procedural information

• ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required for federal and most state filings
• ITIN-friendly business banking — for self-employment income
• Form an LLC to structure business income — pass-through tax treatment under ITIN
• Driver’s license requirements by state (DMV) — residency for state tax purposes
• Find legal help for tax issues — VITA + low-income tax clinics