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.

Don’t Let Filing Stress You Out Tax season can feel overwhelming, especially when forms are missing, income is unclear, or employers delay documents. But here’s the key thing to remember: 👉 Filing an amended return is often the best solution when something was reported incorrectly or left out. If you’re dealing with missing W-2s, 1099s, or employer delays, don’t panic, this is more common than people think. The smartest move is usually: ✔ File what you do have ✔ Correct it later with an amended return if needed ✔ Work with a CPA or tax professional to avoid mistakes and speed things up If you’re stuck or unsure how to handle a tax issue, feel free to ask questions in the group

Hello Community👋 💼 Do you know what a tax extension is? A tax extension gives you more time to file your return ,but not more time to pay what you owe. It helps you avoid late filing penalties while you organize accurate records and complete your submission properly. Staying informed can save you unnecessary stress and costs. Have you ever used a tax extension, or is it something you’re just learning about now?

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.