WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is now accepting applications for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grants. These grants allow eligible organizations to receive annual funding for up to three years to provide free federal tax return preparation assistance. In 2026, the IRS awarded TCE grantees $12 million and the VITA grantees $41 million. Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs provide invaluable, free assistance to taxpayers in need,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “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.” Applications will be accepted on Grants.gov from May 1, 2026, through May 31, 2026, for both programs. Organizations can visit IRS VITA and TCE grants for grant application and program information.

Some taxpayers may get mail from the IRS. It’s important that they open any mail they receive and read it carefully. Most letters or notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice will outline the specific issue and include steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return or credit. Review the information. If the mail is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they don't agree with the information, if the IRS asked for more information or if there’s a balance due. Take any requested action. This may include "MAKING A PAYMENT". The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their "IRS ONLINE ACCOUNT". The IRS offers "SEVERAL OPTIONS" to help taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill. Taking prompt action could minimize additional "iNTEREST AND PENALTY CHARGES." Reply only if needed. Taxpayers don't need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. If a taxpayer needs to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter. Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer doesn't agree with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute what the notice says. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute. Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS for three years from the date the tax return was filed. These include adjustment notices.

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IRS announces tax relief for Mississippi taxpayers impacted by severe winter storm; various deadlines postponed to June 8, 2026. The June 8, 2026, deadline applies to individual income tax returns and payments normally due on or after Jan. 23, 2026. Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Jan. 23, 2026, and before Feb. 9, 2026, will be abated as long as the tax deposits are made by Feb. 9, 2026. The June 8, 2026, deadline also applies to affected quarterly payroll and certain excise tax returns normally due on Feb. 2, 2026, and April 30, 2026.