What is the primary objective of the TCE program?

The primary objective of the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program is to assist clients in understanding and completing their tax returns, ensuring they benefit from available credits. This emphasis on education and guidance is crucial, particularly for senior citizens, who may have unique tax situations and may not be as familiar with tax laws and available deductions or credits that apply to them.

The TCE program focuses on empowering individuals by providing them not only with the necessary tools to complete their tax returns but also with a clearer understanding of the tax process. This includes ensuring they are aware of tax credits they might qualify for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or property tax relief programs, which can significantly affect their financial situation.

By contrast, preparing tax returns solely focuses on the filing aspect without the educational component. Auditing tax returns for accuracy pertains to a different function that is not a primary goal of the TCE program; instead, TCE aims to assist rather than audit. Lastly, filing tax returns on behalf of clients might seem related to the program's goals, but it lacks the critical element of client understanding and engagement, which is foundational to effective tax counseling as promoted by the TCE initiative.