What kind of tax returns can VITA/TCE volunteers assist with?

VITA/TCE volunteers are trained specifically to assist individuals and families with personal income tax returns, which primarily involves the 1040 series forms. This encompasses the regular 1040, as well as its variations (such as 1040A and 1040EZ, although the latter two have been phased out in recent years), while adhering to specific limitations based on the complexity of the tax situation and income levels.

The focus is on helping low-to-moderate-income taxpayers, which aligns with the mission of providing accessible tax assistance. VITA/TCE programs typically assist with federal tax returns but can also support taxpayers in preparing certain state tax returns. However, this assistance is contingent upon the specific training and qualifications of the volunteers, as well as the policies of the VITA/TCE sites.

While the program is designed to aid in straightforward tax situations, complex tax scenarios, such as those involving corporations or international income, generally fall outside the scope of what VITA/TCE volunteers are equipped to handle. This is part of the guidelines to ensure that volunteers are delivering the best and most accurate assistance without stepping beyond their training.