News: Past tax credits you can still apply for!
Low- or moderate-income tax preparation help
Do you have a low or moderate income? You may qualify for free help to file your federal tax return and apply for a property tax adjustment or renter credit (formerly called the renter rebate).
For most filers, the deadline for 2023 tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024.
File taxes yourself at the IRS Free File website
- If your income is $79,000 or less, you can save time and money by using one of the Free File tax prep products offered by 8 commercial software companies on the Internal Revenue Service website, IRS.gov/freefile. The Free File site lets you do your federal tax returns either using brand-name software or online fillable forms. Free File is for federal returns, but most companies also offer state tax return preparation. Some offer state return preparation for free.
- You can also find free file software at My Free Taxes, if your income is $79,000 or less.
- If your income is over $79,000/year and you are comfortable preparing your own tax return, you can use Free File Fillable Forms.
Get free help from a tax preparer
- These organizations can help low-income residents during the first few months of the year (during tax season):
- IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) — Call 2-1-1 or use the IRS VITA/TCE site locator tool to find a free tax preparation site near you. VITA generally offers free tax help to you if you make $64,000 or less, if you have a disability, or if you have limited English skills. They can help you prepare basic tax returns. Be sure to bring these documents to your appointment.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) — Call 2-1-1 or use the IRS VITA/TCE site locator tool to find a free tax preparation site near you. TCE offers free tax help for taxpayers 60 years of age and older. They specialize in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues. Be sure to bring these documents to your appointment.
- AARP Tax-Aide — Call 2-1-1 or visit AARP's Tax-Aide website to find a free tax preparation site near you. It's not just for seniors!
- Help at any time of the year:
- Vermont’s Community Action Agencies — These organizations can help low-income Vermonters file tax forms year-round.
Vermont taxes
For Taxpayer Assistance from the Vermont Department of Taxes, call 1-866-828-2865.
- The Vermont Taxpayer Advocate works to resolve taxpayers’ issues with the Vermont Department of Taxes.
- VITA and AARP Tax Aide sites can usually help with Vermont tax returns, Vermont renter credits (rebates) and Vermont property tax adjustments.
Vermont Free File
- Some IRS Free File vendors also offer free Vermont returns. Find a list of Vermont Free File vendors at the Vermont Free File website.
- You can file a Renter Credit, Homestead Declaration or Property Tax Credit claim online with MyVTax. This service is free.
More tax tips
- We've put together these tax tips to help you make good decisions and avoid problems.
- Learn how to track your tax refunds and avoid tax refund services.
- You can find many IRS YouTube videos with tax information and tips.