Tax Assistance for Single Mothers

Key Takeaways

What single mothers need to know for the 2025 filing season:

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can provide up to $7,830 for families with three or more children in 2024
Child Tax Credit remains at $2,000 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable
Head of Household filing status can save you thousands compared to filing as Single
Free tax preparation available through VITA for households earning under $64,000-$67,000
Child and Dependent Care Credit covers 20-35% of childcare expenses up to $3,000 per child
EITC refunds are delayed until mid-February due to fraud prevention requirements
Many single mothers miss thousands in credits by not filing – even if they earned little income

🚨 Action Alert: Tax season runs January through April 15, 2025. VITA sites typically open in late January, so book appointments early as they fill quickly.

Tax season can feel overwhelming when you’re already juggling work, kids, and household responsibilities as a single mom. Between trying to understand complicated tax rules and worrying about making mistakes, it’s no wonder many single mothers either pay unnecessarily for tax preparation or miss out on valuable credits altogether.

Here’s the reality: As a single mother, you likely qualify for significant tax credits that can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket. The Earned Income Tax Credit alone averages $2,743 for eligible families, while the Child Tax Credit can provide $2,000 per child. Combined with other credits and the Head of Household filing status, many single mothers receive refunds of $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

But here’s what the simple tax articles don’t tell you: Getting these benefits requires understanding specific rules, meeting strict deadlines, and navigating an application process that can be confusing and time-consuming. This guide provides honest, detailed information about what’s really available, what you need to qualify, and how to actually claim these credits successfully.

Free Tax Preparation: Your Best Starting Point

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

The VITA program provides free tax preparation services for families earning $64,000-$67,000 or less annually. Operated by IRS-certified volunteers, VITA has served taxpayers for over 50 years with a 94% accuracy rate.

Who Qualifies for VITA:

Households with annual income under $64,000 for 2024 (estimated $66,000-$67,000 for 2025)
People with disabilities
Elderly taxpayers
Limited English proficiency taxpayers

What VITA Actually Provides:

Free federal and state tax return preparation
Electronic filing with faster refunds
Help claiming all eligible credits including EITC, Child Tax Credit, and Child Care Credit
Basic audit support and tax education
Direct deposit setup for faster refund processing

The Reality of VITA Services:

VITA is excellent for straightforward tax situations but has limitations. Volunteers handle basic returns well, including W-2 wages, simple 1099 income, and standard credits. However, complex situations like rental property, business income, or unusual tax circumstances may require professional preparation.

How to Access VITA:

Find locations: Use the IRS VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887
Schedule early: Many sites require appointments and fill up quickly during peak season (February-March)
Prepare documents: See Publication 3676-B for complete document list

Documents to Bring:

W-2 forms from all employers
1099 forms (interest, unemployment, etc.)
Social Security cards for you and all dependents
Photo ID
Bank account information for direct deposit
Childcare provider information (name, address, tax ID)
Previous year’s tax return

Wait Times and Availability:

VITA sites typically operate February 1 through April 15, with varying hours by location. Peak times (weekends, evenings) book fastest. Some programs require 25+ hours of volunteer practice, so service quality can vary between experienced and new volunteers.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and AARP Tax-Aide

TCE specializes in tax issues for taxpayers 60 and older, focusing on pensions and retirement-related questions. Most TCE sites are operated by AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program.

For Single Mothers 60+:

Free preparation with retirement expertise
Help with Social Security benefits taxation
Pension and retirement account guidance
Find locations at AARP Site Locator or call 888-227-7669

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs)

TACs provide in-person IRS help but require appointments and handle more complex issues than basic tax preparation.

When to Use TACs:

Identity theft issues
Payment plan arrangements
Complex account problems
Amended return questions

How to Schedule: Use the IRS Office Locator and call ahead for appointments.

Head of Household: The Filing Status That Can Save You Thousands

Many single mothers qualify for Head of Household status, which provides significantly better tax benefits than filing as Single.

Head of Household Requirements

You must meet ALL these criteria:

Be unmarried (or considered unmarried) on December 31, 2024
Pay more than half the cost of maintaining your home
Have a qualifying person live with you for more than half the year

Qualifying Persons for Head of Household

Your qualifying child who:

Is unmarried or married but you can claim as a dependent
Lived with you for more than half the year (temporary absences for school, medical care, etc. don’t count)

Your dependent parent (doesn’t have to live with you if you pay more than half their support)

Head of Household vs. Single Filing Status Benefits (2024)

Standard Deduction:

Single: $14,600
Head of Household: $21,900
Difference: $7,300 more income exempt from tax

Tax Brackets: Head of Household tax brackets are wider, meaning you pay lower rates on the same income. For example, the 12% tax bracket extends to $63,700 for Head of Household filers versus $47,150 for Single filers.

Real Example: Sarah, a single mother earning $45,000 with one child, saves approximately $1,500 in federal taxes by filing Head of Household instead of Single.

Common Head of Household Questions

“Can I file Head of Household if I live with my parents?” Yes, if you pay more than half the cost of maintaining the household where you and your qualifying child live, even if your parents own the home.

“What if my child’s father claims them as a dependent?” The parent who claims the child as a dependent gets to file Head of Household (if they otherwise qualify). This is often negotiated in divorce agreements.

Earned Income Tax Credit: The Largest Refundable Credit

The EITC is designed to supplement wages for low-to-moderate income working families and is often the largest component of single mothers’ tax refunds.

2024 EITC Maximum Credits and Income Limits

For 2024, EITC provides up to $7,830 for families with three or more children, up from $7,430 in 2023:

Maximum Credit Amounts (2024):

No children: $632 (ages 25-64 only)
1 child: $4,213
2 children: $6,960
3+ children: $7,830

Income Limits for Single/Head of Household Filers (2024):

No children: $18,591
1 child: $48,391
2 children: $54,884
3+ children: $59,899

Investment income must be $11,600 or less for 2024 to qualify for EITC.

How EITC Works

Unlike most credits that only reduce taxes owed, EITC is “refundable,” meaning you can receive money back even if you owe no taxes. The average EITC in 2023 was $2,743.

EITC Phases:

Phase-in: Credit increases with earnings up to the maximum
Plateau: Maximum credit maintained over an income range
Phase-out: Credit decreases as income increases until it reaches zero

Real Example: Maria, a single mother with two children, earned $35,000 in 2024. She receives the full EITC of $6,960, plus potential state EITC credits.

EITC Eligibility Requirements

Basic Requirements:

Must be U.S. citizen or resident alien all year
You and qualifying children must have valid Social Security numbers
Investment income under $11,600 for 2024
Cannot file Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income)

For Taxpayers Without Children:

Must be age 19-64 (or 18 if formerly in foster care, or 24+ if student)
Cannot be claimed as dependent on someone else’s return
Must live in the U.S. for more than half the year

Qualifying Child Requirements:

Age: Under 19, or under 24 if full-time student, or any age if permanently disabled
Relationship: Son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, or descendant
Residency: Lived with you in the U.S. for more than half the year
Joint Return: Child cannot file joint return unless only to claim refund

EITC Processing Delays and What to Expect

By law, the IRS cannot issue EITC refunds before mid-February due to fraud prevention measures. Most early EITC filers who e-file with direct deposit receive refunds by March 3.

Why the Delay: The PATH Act requires the IRS to hold refunds that include EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit until mid-February to verify information and prevent fraud.

Tracking Your Refund: Use the IRS Where’s My Refund tool starting in late February for status updates.

State Earned Income Tax Credits

31 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico offer their own EITC programs in addition to the federal credit:

Significant State EITCs Include:

California CalEITC: Up to $3,529 for families with three children, expanded to include ITIN holders
New York: Up to $1,500+ depending on family size
New Jersey: Up to $1,400+ for eligible families
Illinois: 18% of federal EITC amount

Important: State EITC eligibility and amounts vary. Check your state’s tax agency website for specific information.

Child Tax Credit: $2,000 Per Child Under 17

The Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 potentially refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit.

Child Tax Credit Basics (2024)

Credit Amount: $2,000 per qualifying child Refundable Portion: Up to $1,700 per child (Additional Child Tax Credit) Income Limits:

Single/Head of Household: $200,000
Married Filing Jointly: $400,000

Child Tax Credit Requirements

Seven qualifying tests must be met:

Age: Child must be under 17 at end of tax year
Relationship: Son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, or descendant
Support: You provide more than half the child’s support
Dependent Status: You claim the child as a dependent
Citizenship: Child must be U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien
Residency: Child lived with you for more than half the year
Joint Return: Child cannot file joint return

Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)

The ACTC allows you to receive up to $1,600 per child as a refund even if you owe no taxes.

ACTC Requirements:

Must have earned income of at least $2,500
ACTC generally equals 15% of earned income above $2,500
Maximum refundable amount is $1,600 per child for 2024

Real Example: Jessica, a single mother with one child, earned $25,000 in 2024. She receives:

Child Tax Credit: $2,000 (reduces taxes owed)
If taxes owed are less than $2,000, she can receive up to $1,700 as Additional Child Tax Credit refund

Future Changes to Watch

Unless Congress acts, the Child Tax Credit will revert to $1,000 per child in 2026 when Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions expire. The age limit would also decrease to 16.

Child and Dependent Care Credit: Help with Childcare Costs

The Child and Dependent Care Credit helps working parents offset childcare expenses, covering 20-35% of qualifying expenses.

Credit Basics (2024)

Maximum Expenses:

One child: $3,000
Two or more children: $6,000

Credit Rate: 20-35% based on income Maximum Credit:

One child: $1,050 (35% × $3,000)
Two or more children: $2,100 (35% × $6,000)

Income and Credit Percentage

The percentage decreases as income increases:

Income under $15,000: 35%
Income $15,000-$17,000: Phases down
Income over $43,000: 20%

Qualifying Expenses

What Counts:

Day care center costs
Before/after school care
Summer day camps (but not overnight camps)
Nanny or babysitter fees
Preschool tuition

What Doesn’t Count:

Overnight camps
Kindergarten tuition (unless for childcare outside school hours)
Care for children 13 or older
Care provided by your spouse or child under 19

Important Limitations

Employer Benefits Impact: If you use a dependent care FSA or receive employer childcare benefits, you must subtract those amounts from your qualifying expenses.

Example: If you spent $6,000 on childcare but received $5,000 from a dependent care FSA, you can only claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on $1,000 of expenses.

Earned Income Limit: Your credit cannot exceed your earned income (or your spouse’s if lower and married).

Required Information

You must provide the childcare provider’s:

Name and address
Tax identification number (SSN or EIN)
Use Form W-10 to request this information from providers

Tax Relief for Disaster-Affected Single Mothers

Natural disasters can devastate single-mother households, but federal tax relief can provide significant financial support during recovery.

Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023

The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, signed into law December 12, 2024, provides enhanced relief for taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters occurring between January 1, 2020, and February 10, 2025.

Enhanced Benefits Include:

Deduct personal casualty losses without itemizing deductions
No 10% of adjusted gross income threshold requirement
Reduced floor from $100 to $500 per casualty loss
Losses can be claimed above-the-line, benefiting all taxpayers

What Disasters Qualify

Qualified disasters include presidentially declared major disasters with incident periods beginning December 28, 2019, through December 12, 2024, and ending no later than January 11, 2025.

Covered Disasters Include:

Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Nicole, Fiona, Debby, Helene, and Milton
Western wildfires (through December 2024)
Severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes in affected areas

Important Note: Recent disasters like the 2025 California wildfires that began January 7, 2025, fall outside the December 12, 2024 cutoff and require separate Congressional action for enhanced relief.

How Casualty Loss Deductions Work

Real Example: Maria’s North Carolina home was damaged by Hurricane Helene. Her home’s value dropped by $50,000, she received $39,500 in insurance, and her adjusted gross income is $35,000.

Calculation:

Property loss: $50,000
Less insurance: -$39,500
Less $500 floor: -$500
Deductible loss: $10,000

Under normal rules, she couldn’t deduct this (less than 10% of AGI). With qualified disaster loss status, she can deduct the full $10,000.

Extended Filing Deadlines

The IRS automatically extends filing deadlines for disaster-affected areas:

Recent Extensions:

Hurricane Helene/Milton victims: May 1, 2025, deadline for all affected areas
California wildfire victims: October 15, 2025, deadline for Los Angeles County
West Virginia storm victims: November 3, 2025, deadline

Getting Disaster Tax Help

Immediate Steps:

Document damage with photos and receipts
Keep all records of repairs and insurance payments
File insurance claims promptly to establish coverage
Contact FEMA for disaster assistance if eligible

Tax Assistance:

Check IRS Disaster Relief page for your area’s status
Call the IRS disaster hotline: 1-866-562-5227
Use Form 4684 to claim casualty losses

💡 Pro Tip: You can elect to claim disaster losses on the previous year’s tax return for faster refunds. This can provide immediate cash flow during recovery.

Avoiding Tax Scams: Protecting Your Family’s Financial Security

Choosing the Right Filing Status

Single: Use only if you don’t qualify for Head of Household Head of Household: Best option if you qualify – provides lower tax rates and higher standard deduction Married Filing Separately: Rarely beneficial for single mothers

When You’re Divorced or Separated

The parent who claims the child as a dependent gets:

Child Tax Credit
Head of Household status
EITC eligibility (if income qualifies)

Form 8332: If the non-custodial parent will claim the child, the custodial parent must provide signed Form 8332.

Step-by-Step Filing Process

1. Gather All Documents (January)

Income Documents:

All W-2 forms (employers must provide by January 31)
1099 forms (interest, unemployment, freelance income)
Banking statements for interest income

Dependent Information:

Social Security cards for all dependents
Birth certificates
School enrollment records

Childcare Information:

Provider names, addresses, and tax ID numbers
Total amounts paid for childcare
Receipts for childcare expenses

2. Choose Your Preparation Method (February)

Free Options:

VITA/TCE sites for households under $64,000-$67,000
IRS Free File for incomes under $79,000
Free versions of commercial software (TurboTax, H&R Block) for simple returns

Paid Options:

Commercial software ($40-$100+)
Professional tax preparers ($150-$500+)
CPA firms ($200-$800+)

3. File Early But Know the Timelines

IRS Accepts Returns: January 29, 2025 (typically last Monday in January) EITC/ACTC Delay: Refunds held until mid-February by law Refund Timeline:

E-file with direct deposit: 21 days after acceptance
Paper filing: 6-8 weeks
EITC/ACTC refunds: Available by March 3 for error-free early filers

4. Track Your Refund

Use Where’s My Refund tool 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing paper return.

Common Mistakes That Cost Single Mothers Money

1. Not Filing at All

The Problem: Many low-income workers don’t file because they think they don’t need to, missing out on refundable credits.

The Reality: Even if you earned very little, you might qualify for EITC, Child Tax Credit, or other refunds totaling thousands of dollars.

2. Filing as Single Instead of Head of Household

The Impact: Can cost $1,000-$2,000+ in higher taxes annually.

The Fix: Carefully review Head of Household requirements. If you support a household where you and a qualifying person live, you likely qualify.

3. Missing the Child and Dependent Care Credit

Common Oversight: Not claiming childcare expenses because paperwork seems complicated.

Simple Solution: Keep receipts and get provider tax ID numbers. Even if you can only find some information, file for the credit and show you made reasonable effort to get provider details.

4. Incorrect or Missing Social Security Numbers

The Problem: Invalid SSNs disqualify you from EITC and Child Tax Credit.

Prevention: Double-check all SSNs on your return match exactly what’s printed on Social Security cards.

5. Not Claiming All Income

IRS Matching: The IRS receives copies of all W-2s and 1099s. Missing income triggers audits and delays.

Best Practice: Wait until early February to ensure you’ve received all tax documents before filing.

Audit Reality and Prevention

EITC Audit Rates

EITC claims face higher audit scrutiny. VITA’s 94% accuracy rate helps minimize audit risk compared to self-preparation errors.

Documentation to Keep

For EITC Claims:

School enrollment records for children
Medical records for disabled dependents
Birth certificates proving relationships
Records showing children lived with you (school, medical, community activities)

For Head of Household:

Household expense records (rent, utilities, groceries)
Proof of child’s residence (school, medical records)

Retention Period: Keep tax returns and supporting documents for at least 3 years, or 6 years if you underreported income by 25% or more.

Getting Help When You Need It

Free Tax Help Resources

IRS Resources:

IRS Interactive Tax Assistant for specific questions
IRS Publication 596 for complete EITC rules
IRS Publication 972 for Child Tax Credit details

Community Resources:

Local libraries often offer tax preparation assistance
211 helpline for local tax help programs
Community college tax preparation courses

When to Consider Paid Preparation

Complex Situations Requiring Professional Help:

Self-employment income over $5,000
Rental property income
Stock sales or investment income
Divorce involving custody changes
Prior year amended returns

Choosing a Preparer:

Verify credentials (CPA, EA, or AFTR)
Get fee estimates upfront
Ensure they sign your return and provide copy
Avoid preparers who base fees on refund size

Special Situations for Single Mothers

Recently Divorced

First Year After Divorce:

Determine who claims children as dependents
Update filing status (likely Head of Household)
Consider impact of alimony (received or paid)
Update bank accounts for direct deposit

Military Single Mothers

Special Considerations:

Combat pay election for EITC – you can elect to include nontaxable combat pay in earned income for EITC calculation
Deployment absences don’t disqualify children from residency tests
Moving expense deductions for permanent changes of station

Special Situations for Single Mothers

Recently Divorced

First Year After Divorce:

Determine who claims children as dependents
Update filing status (likely Head of Household)
Consider impact of alimony (received or paid)
Update bank accounts for direct deposit

Self-Employed Single Mothers

Special Considerations:

Report self-employment income on Schedule C
EITC still available if total income under limits ($59,899 for 3+ children)
Keep detailed expense records to reduce audit risk
May need to make quarterly estimated tax payments
Self-employment tax applies to net earnings over $400

Tax Benefits Available:

Home office deduction for business space
Business expense deductions (supplies, equipment, mileage)
Health insurance deduction for self-employed
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA contributions

Single Mothers with Disabled Children

Important Tax Benefits:

Children with permanent disabilities qualify for EITC and Child Tax Credit regardless of age
Medical expense deductions may be available if they exceed 7.5% of AGI
Keep medical documentation to support dependency claims
Special education expenses may be deductible

Documentation Needed:

Medical records showing permanent disability
Proof of support and residency
Educational or therapy expense receipts

Single Mothers Receiving Public Benefits

Key Points:

SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and housing assistance are not taxable income
These benefits don’t affect EITC eligibility
Report any cash assistance accurately
Unemployment benefits are taxable (Form 1099-G)

Military Single Mothers

Special Considerations:

Combat pay election for EITC – you can elect to include nontaxable combat pay in earned income for EITC calculation
Deployment absences don’t disqualify children from residency tests
Moving expense deductions for permanent changes of station
Additional time to file if deployed in combat zones

Single Mothers with ITIN

Important Changes:

California CalEITC now available to ITIN holders
Federal Child Tax Credit requires SSN for child
Consider applying for SSN if eligible
ITIN holders can still claim Child and Dependent Care Credit

College Student Single Mothers

Tax Benefits:

American Opportunity Tax Credit: Up to $2,500 for qualified education expenses
Lifetime Learning Credit: Up to $2,000 for continuing education
Education expense deductions
Student loan interest deduction

State Tax Considerations

States with Significant Single Mother Benefits

California:

CalEITC up to $3,529 (now includes ITIN holders)
Young Child Tax Credit up to $1,083
California Child and Dependent Care Credit

New York:

Empire State Child Credit up to $330 per child
NYS EITC up to 30% of federal EITC
NYC Child and Dependent Care Credit (for NYC residents)

New Jersey:

NJ EITC up to $1,400+ for eligible families
Child and Dependent Care Credit

Maryland:

State EITC up to 50% of federal EITC
Child Tax Credit up to $500 per child

Colorado:

Colorado EITC up to 25% of federal EITC
Family Affordability Credit for working families

Illinois:

Illinois EITC equal to 18% of federal EITC
Property Tax Credit for eligible homeowners

Massachusetts:

Massachusetts EITC up to 30% of federal EITC
Dependent Care Credit

Oregon:

Oregon EITC up to 12% of federal EITC
Working Family Child Care Credit

Vermont:

Vermont EITC up to 36% of federal EITC
Child and Dependent Care Credit

Washington:

Working Families Tax Credit up to $1,200
No state income tax

For complete state-by-state information, visit Tax Credits for Workers and Families.

No-Income-Tax States

Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming

Single mothers in these states:

Still benefit from federal credits
May have local tax considerations
Should still file federal returns for refundable credits

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim EITC if I didn’t work all year?

Yes, EITC is based on your total earned income for the year. Even part-time or seasonal work can qualify you for the credit if your income falls within the limits.

Can I claim EITC if I’m self-employed?

Yes, self-employed single mothers qualify for EITC if their total income is below the limits ($59,899 for three+ children in 2024). Report income on Schedule C and keep detailed expense records.

What if my ex-husband claims our child but I have custody?

The parent who claims the child as a dependent gets the Child Tax Credit and can file Head of Household. If this wasn’t agreed upon in your divorce, you may need to amend returns or seek legal advice.

How do I handle childcare paid to a relative?

You can claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit for care provided by relatives, except care provided by your spouse, a dependent you claim, or your child under age 19. You’ll need their SSN and must pay Social Security taxes if you pay them more than $2,700 per year.

What if I can’t get my childcare provider’s tax ID number?

You can still claim the credit if you show due diligence in trying to get the information. Document your attempts to obtain the TIN and include whatever information you have.

Can I file if I only received unemployment benefits?

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You should receive Form 1099-G showing the amount. You may still qualify for EITC if you had some earned income during the year.

What if my child has an ITIN instead of an SSN?

For federal credits, children must have valid SSNs to qualify for EITC and Child Tax Credit. However, some state credits (like California’s CalEITC) now accept ITINs. Consider applying for an SSN if your child is eligible.

Can I claim the Child Tax Credit if my child is permanently disabled?

Yes, children who are permanently and totally disabled qualify for the Child Tax Credit regardless of age, as long as they meet the other relationship and residency requirements.

What happens if I file late?

You have until April 15, 2025, to file your 2024 tax return. After that, penalties and interest may apply if you owe taxes. However, if you’re due a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late, but you forfeit your refund if you don’t file within three years.

Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?

Most single mothers benefit from the standard deduction: $14,600 for Single filers or $21,900 for Head of Household in 2024. Only itemize if your deductions (mortgage interest, state taxes, charitable donations, etc.) exceed these amounts.

Can I split tax benefits with my child’s other parent?

Generally, tax benefits go to the parent who claims the child as a dependent. However, divorced parents can agree to split benefits – one parent claims the dependency exemption and Child Tax Credit while the other files Head of Household and claims EITC.

What if I move during the year?

Your filing status and credit eligibility are based on where you lived for the majority of the year. Update your address with the IRS and your state tax agency to ensure you receive important notices.

How long should I keep my tax records?

Keep returns and supporting documents for at least three years from the filing date. Keep them longer (up to seven years) if you claimed a bad debt deduction or if you underreported income by more than 25%.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general tax information for educational purposes. Tax laws are complex and change frequently. For personalized advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified tax professional or use official IRS resources. This information is not affiliated with the IRS.

About the Author: This comprehensive guide was written by a single mother and financial advocate with extensive experience researching tax benefits and assistance programs for families. The information is updated annually to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Emergency Tax Help: If you’re facing immediate tax-related issues, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit your local Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Free Resources:

IRS Free File
VITA Locator
EITC Assistant
Tax Credits for Workers and Families (State credit information)
211 Helpline (Local tax help and resources)

Last Updated: June 2025 | Sources: IRS Publications, Tax Policy Center, Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, and current federal tax law

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