VITA/TCE PROGRAM OFFERS FREE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES TO QUALIFIED TAXPAYERS
Free tax preparation services are planned to begin in early 2024 for Greater Nashua residents through a partnership led by United Way of Greater Nashua, the IRS and other community partners and volunteers.
Trained local volunteers will assist taxpayers for both the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and the TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) Programs. They will assist taxpayers in identifying any credits (Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc.) they may be entitled to.
The VITA program offers free help to people who generally earn $64,000 or less, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers. The TCE program is generally for people aged 60 or older and focuses on tax issues unique to seniors. While there is no income limit on TCE prepared returns, priority is given to low-to-moderate income. Sites in both Nashua and Hudson can prepare tax returns for both programs.
Tax preparation services were provided in four locations in 2023:
- United Way of Greater Nashua, 20 Broad Street, Nashua
- Nashua Senior Activity Center, 70 Temple St., Nashua
- Hudson Senior Center, 19 Kimball Hill Rd., Hudson
- Rodgers Memorial Library, 194 Derry Rd., Hudson
All sites required that the taxpayer schedule an appointment in advance to have their return processed by the trained volunteers. Information on how to schedule an appointment will be provided in January 2024.
VITA/TCE services are not only free they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA/TCE volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.
In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.
IRS Form 3676-B contains information on the specific types of returns the trained volunteers are able (or not able) to process in the VITA and TCE programs; please refer to this list to see if you qualify.
Additional information about the tax preparation services available in Greater Nashua through the United Way-sponsored program will be provided as it becomes available. Anyone with questions can contact United Way at (603) 824-0205 or email vita.uwnashua@gmail.com.
For information on tax preparation services available in other New Hampshire communities, call 2-1-1 or go to https://nhtaxhelp.org.
