The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $56,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country.

What do I do if someone messed up my taxes?

If you find an error in your taxes, file an amended return as soon as you can. If you suspect misconduct on the part of your preparer, file a complaint with the IRS.

When do you need help filing your taxes?

Having a nanny or household help can make filing your tax return complicated. Ideally, you should get help from a tax pro before tax filing season, Du Val said. That’s because there are things you need to do during the year to avoid facing penalties when you file your return.

Where can I get free help with my taxes?

Whether a taxpayer has a simple straight-forward tax return or one that’s a little more complex, the IRS can help. As the filing deadline quickly approaches, here’s information about the different ways taxpayers can get free help with their federal taxes. Free tax help is available at nearly 11,000 volunteer sites nationwide:

What kind of person do I need to prepare my tax return?

Need someone to prepare your tax return? There are various types of tax return preparers, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys, and many others who don’t have a professional credential. You expect your preparer to be skilled in tax preparation and to accurately file your income tax return.

Can a Taxpayer Assistance Center help you prepare a tax return?

Taxpayer Assistance Centers can’t help you prepare a tax return, but they’ll provide free assistance in setting up payment plans, understanding letters from the IRS, and resolving tax problems. They’ll review your documents before filing to make sure you have everything in order.