IRS Confirmed $40 Million Financial Boost for VITA & TCE Grants for Seniors: Every year, the IRS supports programs that help people file their tax returns for free. Now, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has started accepting applications for two important grant programs for 2025 — the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs. These grants allow non-profit groups and other eligible organizations to get funding so they can help people file their federal tax returns at no cost.
What Are TCE and VITA Programs?
VITA/TCE Grant timeline
| Program phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Application period | May 1–31 |
| Review/Evaluation/Ranking | June 1–September 30 |
| Notification of selection/Non-selection | October 1 |
| Period of performance | October 1–September 30 |
Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
The TCE program was started in 1978. Its main goal is to provide free tax help to people who are 60 years old and above. These services are usually provided in senior centers, libraries, or community buildings. The IRS trains volunteers to help senior citizens understand and file their taxes without any charge.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The VITA program has been around since 1969, but the grant part of it began in 2007. This program helps low- to moderate-income individuals, people with disabilities, those who speak limited English, and people in rural or underserved areas. The aim is to make it easier for these people to file their taxes electronically, while also improving accuracy through better-trained volunteers.
How to Apply for the 2025 IRS Grants
Organizations interested in helping through these programs can now apply for the 2025 grant funding. The application period is open from May 1, 2025, to May 31, 2025, and all applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.
The IRS has provided complete application details and rules on its VITA and TCE grants webpage. Selected organizations may get funding for up to three years, allowing them to keep helping people with their tax returns over time.
Impact of These Programs
In 2025, the TCE and VITA programs helped taxpayers across the U.S. file over 2.7 million tax returns. These programs not only save people money but also reduce stress and errors during tax season. Many of the volunteers are trained and certified, ensuring that the tax returns are filed correctly and on time.
Who Can Apply?
Non-profit organizations, local government offices, educational institutions, and community groups are usually the ones who apply for these grants. If they are approved, they can set up free tax filing centers in places where they’re needed the most — especially where people might not be able to afford a paid tax preparer.
Why These Grants Matter
These programs are important because they give support to people who really need it. Senior citizens, low-income families, and non-English speakers often face many challenges while filing taxes. The TCE and VITA programs make it easier and safer for them to file their tax returns without paying high fees or falling for scams.
The IRS’s TCE and VITA programs continue to make a real difference in people’s lives by offering free, trusted tax help. These grants help organizations across the U.S. provide valuable support to seniors and those who are financially struggling or living in hard-to-reach areas. With applications now open for the 2025 season, more communities can benefit from accurate and free tax filing assistance.
FAQ
Q1: What is the TCE program by the IRS?
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help to people aged 60 and older, supported by IRS-trained volunteers.
Q2: Who benefits from the VITA program?
The VITA program helps low-income families, people with disabilities, and those with limited English skills file taxes for free.
Q3: When can organizations apply for these IRS grants?
Applications are open from May 1 to May 31, 2025, through the Grants.gov website.
Q4: What kind of groups can apply for VITA and TCE grants?
Eligible groups include non-profits, educational institutions, and community organizations.
Q5: How many people got help through these programs last year?
In 2025, the VITA and TCE programs helped over 2.7 million people file their tax returns across the U.S.