FREE tax help in Kentucky

There are FREE programs in Kentucky 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

  • Income: the IRS says it does not set a program-wide income limit for VITA, and individual VITA sites may establish their own
  • People with disabilities
  • Limited English speakers (bilingual sites)
  • People with ITIN (no SSN)

What they do

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

How to find VITA sites in Kentucky

IRS VITA/TCE Locator Tool — official IRS tool searches by zip:

  1. Go to freetaxassistance.for.irs.gov/s/sitelocator, or open irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers and select “VITA Locator Tool”
  2. Enter a Kentucky ZIP code and a distance in miles — both are required
  3. Select the “Find” button
  4. List of nearby sites with address, operating dates, hours, languages, and whether an appointment is required
  5. No internet? Call the IRS VITA locator line at 800-906-9887 for the same listings

Common VITA host organizations in Kentucky

  • United Way: many UWs operate VITA sites
  • Immigrant-serving organizations — many host bilingual VITA sites; the IRS locator shows languages per site
  • Churches and community centers
  • Public libraries
  • Universities (student volunteers)
  • AARP Foundation (TCE for 60+)

Online (alternative to site)

Can I use IRS Free File for my Kentucky taxes?

IRS Free File covers your FEDERAL return for free. If your adjusted gross income is $89,000 or less (2026 filing season), you can use the IRS’s guided tax software at no cost, and it accepts your ITIN. What it does NOT automatically include is your Kentucky state return:

  • Some Free File partners also prepare your Kentucky return for free — each partner sets its own rules, so use the IRS “Find your trusted partner” tool and pick one that lists a free Kentucky state return.
  • If your partner charges for the state return, you can still file Kentucky for free another way: MyFreeTaxes (United Way) prepares both your federal and Kentucky returns free, and a VITA site does both in person at no charge (the IRS says it does not set a program-wide income limit for VITA, and individual VITA sites may establish their own).
  • Kentucky’s Department of Revenue (revenue.ky.gov) also lists electronic-filing options for the state return.

In short: Free File means a free federal return for almost everyone under $89,000; for the Kentucky return, choose a Free File partner that includes it, or use MyFreeTaxes or VITA.

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 Kentucky
  • Phone: 1-888-227-7669 — the IRS lists this line for locating the nearest AARP TCE Tax-Aide site between January and April

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 a “notario” for a return you qualify to have prepared free at a VITA site; eligibility and services vary by site
  • VITA volunteers are local people certified by IRS

Documents to bring

  1. Identity: original photo ID for you and your spouse (if filing jointly), such as a passport, national ID or U.S. state ID
  2. ID numbers: Social Security cards, or the IRS ITIN notice for anyone without an SSN (for everyone on the 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 Kentucky state return
  • IRS Free File — guided software for incomes under $89,000

Last verified: 2026-09-24.

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.