Taxes

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

How to get FREE federal and state tax help in South Carolina: VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for Elderly) programs. Spanish services, ITIN-friendly.

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FREE tax help in South Carolina

If you earn less than approximately $60,000/year or are over 60, there are FREE programs in South Carolina 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 South Carolina state return
Apply for ITIN at the same time (at CAA sites)
Electronic filing (free)
IRS notice assistance

How to find VITA sites in South Carolina

IRS VITA Locator — official IRS tool searches by zip:

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

Common VITA host organizations in South Carolina

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 South Carolina
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

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

Online free sites

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

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.

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

IRS offices (TACs) in South Carolina

Beyond VITA sites, these 7 IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in South Carolina provide in-person help (by appointment), including ITIN (W-7) document authentication. Call 844-545-5640 to book.

City / office	Address	Phone
Columbia	1835 Assembly St., 29201	(803) 312-7900
North Charleston	4400 Leeds Ave, 29405	(843) 566-0209
North Charleston Virtual Assistance	none, 29406	none
Moncks Corner Virtual Assistance	none, 29461	none
Florence	401 W. Evans St., 29501	(843) 664-8889
Myrtle Beach	601 19th Avenue N., 29577	(843) 626-2700
Greenville	440 Roper Mountain Rd., 29615	(864) 286-7095

For free volunteer-prepared returns, use the IRS VITA locator. irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep

Frequently asked questions

Does VITA in South Carolina help with ITIN returns?

YES. VITA volunteers are trained specifically to prepare ITIN returns (Form W-7 + Form 1040). In fact, many VITA sites are also Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAA) and can help apply for ITIN at the same time.

How much does VITA cost in South Carolina?

FREE. VITA is funded by IRS and certified volunteers. NO fee for preparation or filing. VITA preparations also don’t generate hidden fees.

Do I need proof of income to use VITA in South Carolina?

VITA serves people with income up to approximately $60,000 (2024 limit — verify). You’ll need: Forms W-2, 1099, deductible expense receipts, social security cards / ITIN cards of everyone in family, prior year tax return.

The rules change. Hear about it first.

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.