FREE tax help in Texas

There are FREE programs in Texas 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
  • No state income tax return to prepare (Texas has no state income tax on wages)
  • Apply for ITIN at the same time (at CAA sites)
  • Electronic filing (free)
  • IRS notice assistance

How to find VITA sites in Texas

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 Texas 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 Texas

  • United Way: many UWs operate VITA sites
  • Immigrant-serving organizations like RAICES — many host bilingual VITA sites
  • Churches and community centers
  • Public libraries
  • Universities (student volunteers)
  • AARP Foundation (TCE for 60+)

Online (alternative to site)

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 Texas
  • 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, federal return only (Texas has no state income tax on wages)
  • IRS Free File — guided software for incomes under $89,000

Last verified: 2026-09-24.

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

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.