The Internal Revenue Service has officially opened the application window for its 2026 grant programs aimed at delivering vital free tax preparation services for older adults and underserved communities across the nation.
From May 1 through May 31, 2026, eligible organizations can apply for grants through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs via Grants.gov. These programs provide crucial, no-cost support to taxpayers who often face barriers navigating complex federal tax returns.
The IRS awarded more than $53 million in total grants for 2026, with approximately $12 million allocated to the TCE program and $41 million to VITA grantees. These funds enable organizations nationwide to offer free assistance focused on the unique needs of older Americans and underserved populations.
Grant Programs Focus on Seniors and Hard-to-Reach Populations
IRS CEO Frank J. Bisignano highlighted the programs’ long-standing impact:
“The VITA program, which has been around for more than 50 years, provides help to America’s underserved populations, while the TCE program offers specialized assistance for older Americans related to pensions and retirement plans.”
Established in 1978, the TCE program primarily supports individuals aged 60 and above, focusing on complex retirement and pension tax issues. The VITA program, meanwhile, began in 1969 to assist low- to moderate-income taxpayers and was supplemented in 2007 by the formal grant initiative to expand reach and improve service delivery.
Why Ohio Taxpayers Should Take Notice
Ohio has a significant population of older adults and underserved communities that benefit directly from these programs. The availability of federal grants means increased capacity for local nonprofits and community groups to offer free, expert tax help—particularly critical during tax season when many struggle to file returns correctly.
Given the rising financial complexity faced by retirees and low-income filers, these programs reduce the risk of costly filing errors and missed credits, delivering peace of mind and essential economic relief to families across Ohio and the broader United States.
How to Apply and What to Expect
Organizations interested in joining the 2026 funding cycle can find detailed information, including eligibility and application guidelines, on the IRS website under the VITA and TCE grants page. Key IRS publications to review include:
- Publication 1101 – Application Package and Guidelines for Managing a TCE Program
- Publication 4671 – VITA Grant Program Overview and Application Instructions
- Publication 6085 – Tax Counseling for the Elderly Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Publication 6086 – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity
Grants support training and technical assistance to improve the accuracy and availability of tax return preparation, especially at volunteer sites. The IRS emphasizes improving electronic filing capabilities and expanding outreach to both urban and non-urban areas with limited access to tax help.
The Path Forward for Free Tax Assistance
The current grant funding reinforces the IRS’s commitment to maintaining these critical programs amid evolving tax complexities. Eligible organizations that secure grants will receive funding for up to three years, ensuring sustainable support for taxpayers nationwide.
As the May 31 deadline approaches, community groups and nonprofits in Ohio and beyond face a vital opportunity to expand their impact this tax season and beyond—helping Americans, particularly seniors, file accurate returns safely and free from financial burdens.
The IRS encourages interested applicants to act promptly and ensure compliance with all application requirements to join this nationwide effort providing free, expert tax assistance where it’s needed most.
