Free Tax Help When You Have a Disability

Where to find free tax preparation if you have a disability

The IRS runs a program called VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) that offers free tax preparation at thousands of locations across the country. Many VITA sites have staff trained to help people with disabilities, and some sites are specifically set up to serve people with mobility, hearing, or vision disabilities. You do not pay anything — the service is free.

A second program, TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly), also offers free preparation and is available to anyone over 60, regardless of income. Both programs prepare your full return and can help you find tax credits you might otherwise miss, including credits tied to disability status or medical expenses.

The fastest way to find a location near you is to search the IRS VITA locator at irs.gov/vita or call 211 and ask for VITA sites in your area. You can also contact your state's disability services office — many have partnerships with VITA sites and can tell you which ones have accessibility features you need.

Key Takeaways

• VITA and TCE are IRS programs that prepare your taxes for free, and many sites have staff trained to work with people who have disabilities.
• Some VITA sites offer remote preparation by phone or video if you cannot travel, though availability varies by location.
• You will need your Social Security number, photo ID, and documents showing income (W-2s, 1099s, or benefit statements).
• Tax credits for disability-related expenses — such as medical costs or home modifications — are often missed when people prepare their own returns, and VITA staff know how to find them.
• The IRS VITA locator and 211 both show you which sites are open and what accessibility features each one has.

What documents to bring to a free tax preparation appointment

Bring your photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You will also need proof of income: W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms if you had self-employment or contract income, or benefit statements from Social Security, SSI, or other programs.

If you paid for medical expenses, home modifications, or assistive devices during the year, bring receipts or statements showing what you paid. The same goes for prescription medications, therapy sessions, or equipment repairs. These expenses can reduce your taxable income if they exceed a certain threshold, and VITA staff will know whether yours do.

If you have a dependent — a child, spouse, or another family member you support — bring their Social Security number and proof of their relationship to you. If you own a home and paid property taxes or mortgage interest, bring those statements too.

How VITA sites accommodate people with different disabilities

VITA sites vary in what they offer. Some have staff who know sign language or can work with an interpreter you bring. Others have computers with screen readers for people with vision disabilities, or quiet rooms for people who need low-sensory environments. A few sites offer preparation by phone or video if traveling is difficult.

When you search for a site, the IRS locator shows which accessibility features each location has — look for notes about wheelchair access, interpreter availability, or remote options. If the nearest site does not have what you need, call ahead and ask whether staff can arrange it or refer you to a site that can.

If you use a personal care attendant or family member to help you manage paperwork, they can come with you to the appointment. VITA staff are used to working with people who bring support, and it does not change the service or cost.

Tax credits and deductions people with disabilities often miss

The Disability Tax Credit (also called the Impairment-Related Work Expenses deduction) lets you deduct costs directly tied to working — such as transportation, attendant care, or equipment — if your disability makes those expenses necessary. Many people do not know this credit exists, and VITA staff can help you figure out whether you may have access to and what to deduct.

Medical expense deductions cover a wide range of costs: prescription medications, therapy, medical equipment, home modifications (like ramps or grab bars), and even some transportation to medical appointments. These only reduce your taxes if they add up to more than a certain percentage of your income, but VITA staff will do that math for you.

If you received a settlement or award because of your disability — from a lawsuit, workers' compensation, or a structured settlement — some or all of it may not be taxable. VITA staff know the rules and can tell you what to report and what to leave off your return.

What happens after your return is prepared

Once VITA staff finish your return, they will review it with you before filing. You will see what you owe or what refund you are getting. If you disagree with anything, you can ask them to explain it or make changes before it goes to the IRS.

The IRS then processes your return. If you are getting a refund, it usually arrives within 21 days if you chose direct deposit to your bank account, or longer if you asked for a check. If you owe taxes, the IRS will send you a bill with payment options.

Keep a copy of your filed return for your records. You may need it to prove your income when you apply for housing assistance, benefits, or loans.

Remote and phone-based tax preparation options

Not all VITA sites offer remote preparation, but some do — especially after the pandemic made phone and video appointments more common. If you search the IRS VITA locator and filter by your location, some results will show "virtual" or "remote" options. Call those sites first to ask about scheduling.

Remote preparation usually works the same way as in-person: you gather your documents, join a video call or phone call with a tax preparer, and they walk through your return with you. Some sites ask you to upload documents ahead of time; others have you hold them up to your camera or read them aloud.

If you cannot find a remote option in your area, ask the nearest VITA site whether they can refer you to one, or whether they have plans to offer it. Many sites are expanding these services based on demand.

If you have a complex return or special circumstances

VITA handles most returns, but some situations are too complicated for the program — for example, if you own a business with employees, have rental property income, or are dealing with a complicated divorce settlement. In those cases, VITA staff will tell you upfront that you need a tax professional, and they may refer you to a low-cost or sliding-scale tax preparer in your area.

If you received disability-related income that you are unsure how to report — such as a structured settlement, a gift meant to cover medical costs, or income from a special needs trust — mention it when you call to schedule. VITA staff can tell you whether they can handle it or whether you need outside help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have low income to use VITA?

VITA is free for anyone, but sites prioritize people with lower incomes. If your income is above the limit (which varies by year and location), you may be turned away or put on a waiting list. Call ahead to ask what the current income limit is at your nearest site.

What if I cannot get to a VITA site because of my disability?

Ask the site whether they offer phone or video appointments. If not, ask whether they can refer you to a site that does, or whether a staff member can visit you at home (some sites do this for people with severe mobility disabilities). You can also search for low-cost tax preparers in your area who may offer remote service.

Can VITA help me if I receive SSI or SSDI?

Yes. VITA staff understand how Social Security benefits are taxed and what counts as income for benefits purposes. Bring your benefit statement so they can see exactly what you received during the year.

What if I made a mistake on last year's return?

You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. VITA staff can help you prepare an amended return if you discover you missed a credit or deduction, or if the IRS sent you a notice. Bring the notice and your original return.

Do I have to file a return if I receive disability benefits?

It depends on how much income you had and what kind of benefits you receive. VITA staff can tell you whether you have to file. Even if you do not have to, filing may get you a refund if taxes were taken out of your pay, so it is worth asking.