Tax Counseling for the Elderly

Information about the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) grant program, how to apply, locating volunteer opportunities or sites in your local area or if your organization received notice of a grant award can be found below. In addition, the current grant recipients listing is also included. The TCE program offers FREE tax help to individuals who are age 60 or older. Cooperative grant agreements are entered into between IRS and eligible organizations to provide tax assistance to elderly taxpayers. The funds provided by the IRS are used by organizations to reimburse volunteers for their out-of-pocket expenses; including transportation, meals and other expenses incurred by them in providing tax counseling assistance at locations convenient to the taxpayers.

Tax return preparation assistance is provided to elderly taxpayers during the normal period for filing Federal income tax returns, which is from January 1 to April 15 each year. However, the program activities required to make sure elderly taxpayers receive efficient and quality tax assistance can be conducted year-round.

The current list of TCE and VITA recipients are responsible for all aspects of operating the TCE program including, but not limited to publicity, recruitment, training, site selection and management of volunteers.

Section 163 of the Revenue Act of 1978, Public Law No. 95-600, 92 Stat. 2810, November 6, 1978, authorizes IRS to enter into cooperative agreements.

This web page serves as a resource for organizations interested in applying for a TCE grant as well as for organizations who have been awarded a grant.