Through the VITA program, trained and IRS-certified volunteers assist with preparing and filing federal and state income tax returns at no cost. The program is designed to support individuals who generally earn $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, older adults and limited English-speaking taxpayers.

The Internal Revenue Service announced it would be accepting tax returns from eligible taxpayers for the 2026 filing season at no cost

Each year, Americans spend an average of $240 to prepare and file their tax returns, according to the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service. And the process is so complicated that about a million taxpayers who could get money back don’t file returns,

IRS Direct File, which was offered in 25 states last year, has been discontinued. But one very-much underused, free program remains for 2026.

University of Southern Indiana students in the Romain College of Business are offering free federal and state income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). The service is open to students, faculty, staff and the general public, according to a community announcement.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Taxpayers can get a head start on preparing their 2025 federal tax returns as the IRS Free File program is now available ahead of the official start of the tax filing season, with free filing available at IRS.gov/FreeFile.