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Tax season can feel overwhelming — especially for people living with disabilities or chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The good news is that free, trusted help is available, and there may be tax benefits you qualify for that are often overlooked. I know this isn’t as fun as some of my other pieces, but it’s necessary, so I will try to make this as painful and as informative as possible.

Free tax help through VITA and TCE

The IRS sponsors two long-standing programs that offer free, reliable tax return preparation:

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
• Tax Counseling for the Elderly

These programs have been operating for more than 50 years and are designed to support individuals who may need extra assistance. These include:

• People who generally earn $67,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers
• Adults age 60 and older (through TCE, with a focus on retirement and pension questions)

VITA and TCE sites are run by IRS-approved partners and staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who complete rigorous tax law training and privacy protection requirements. Every return prepared goes through a quality review before filing, making these programs both free and trustworthy.

Sites are commonly located in community centers, libraries, schools, and similar neighborhood spaces. Some locations also offer self-prep options, allowing you to file your own return with guidance from an IRS-certified volunteer.

To find a site near you:

• Call 800-906-9887 for VITA/TCE.
• For TCE (often run by AARP Tax-Aide), call 888-227-7669

Special assistance for people with disabilities

If a disability makes it difficult to complete your tax return, assistance may be available directly through VITA, TCE, or an IRS office. Volunteers are trained to help ensure accessibility while protecting your confidentiality.

In addition to filing help, you may qualify for disability-related tax benefits. Depending on your situation:

• Increased standard deduction: If you are legally blind, you may qualify for a higher standard deduction (IRS Publication 501).
• Credits or deductions based on income: Certain income types may qualify for exclusions or special treatment (Publication 525).
• Employment-limiting disabilities: If a physical or mental disability limits your ability to work, some miscellaneous deductions may apply (Publication 529).
• Credit for the elderly or disabled: Available to eligible taxpayers who meet age or disability criteria (Publication 524).
• Medical and dental expenses: Some out-of-pocket medical costs may be deductible (Publication 502).
• Earned income tax credit: If you worked and earned income, you may qualify for this refundable credit (Publication 596).

Before you go

Before visiting a VITA or TCE site, review Publication 3676-B to understand services offered and what documents to bring, as availability can vary by location.

Tax time doesn’t have to mean tax stress. Free, qualified help exists — and taking advantage of it can help protect your income, reduce costs, and ensure you receive the benefits you’ve earned.