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Find tax-filing help, prepare records and follow a refund

Choose free preparation, tax-dispute help or refund tracking. Prepare one tax year at a time.

Practical options and next steps

Start with the task you need today: filing a return, understanding an IRS letter or checking money already claimed. Each task has a different route.

Start with this

Write the tax year and one question on a private note. Then choose the matching section below.

Who this helps

People who need manageable steps for federal tax paperwork, including first-time filers and people seeking low-cost help.

Where this guidance applies

Official national finders serve people seeking help across the 50 states and DC. Site availability, supported returns and state filing rules vary. This guide does not prepare or submit a tax return.

What to prepare

Steps to take

  1. Choose the service Use VITA/TCE for possible free preparation, an LITC for a tax dispute, or IRS refund tools for a filed return.
  2. Confirm before traveling Ask about the tax year, state return, documents, language and appointment. Describe complex income before booking.
  3. Keep proof of the action Keep a copy of the completed return or response and its filing confirmation. Track the next notice or follow-up date.

Where can I get a return prepared for free?

Open the IRS VITA/TCE finder and search near your ZIP code; 800-906-9887 is another IRS-listed route.

What to prepare

  • Have your tax year, approximate income types and any self-employment or prior-year issue ready.

Steps to take

  1. Ask whether the site can prepare your federal and state returns and whether an appointment is required.
  2. Confirm its document list, language assistance and opening dates before you travel.

What to check before relying on this: Free preparation is limited to qualifying people and returns within each site’s scope. A locator listing does not reserve a place.

If that route does not work: If no suitable appointment exists, compare IRS Free File offers through IRS.gov; check the supported year and any state-return charge.

Official and service sources: IRS: VITA and TCE free tax preparation · IRS: Free File options and limits

Which year should I use for EITC or child credits?

Read the tax-year heading on your income statements before opening a credit tool.

What to prepare

  • Prepare that year’s earnings, household facts and any dependent records requested by the preparer.

Steps to take

  1. Match the return and credit instructions to the income year, even if you are filing late.
  2. Check EITC and child credits separately with the existing guides; an Assistant estimate does not file either claim.

What to check before relying on this: A qualifying child for one credit does not automatically qualify for another. Do not use a different year merely because a tool offers it.

If that route does not work: If the required year or situation is unsupported, ask a qualified preparer to use the correct-year IRS instructions.

Official and service sources: IRS: how the EITC Assistant works · IRS: Free File options and limits

Continue with a related guide: Compare EITC and child credits

What records should I take to a tax appointment?

Use the IRS preparation checklist and make one folder for the tax year.

What to prepare

  • Gather W-2 and relevant 1099 forms, requested tax-ID proof, last year’s return if available, and Form 1095-A if applicable.

Steps to take

  1. Separate wages, unemployment, retirement and self-employment records. Add expense records for work you did independently.
  2. Tell the preparer which document is missing and ask about obtaining a replacement or using an IRS transcript.

What to check before relying on this: A transcript may not contain every detail needed for a return. Do not guess income or treat every incoming payment as the same income type.

If that route does not work: Ask for a revised appointment or a short missing-item list. Keep tax numbers and bank records off GetBenefits.

Official and service sources: IRS: documents for free tax preparation · IRS: Free File options and limits

Can a low-income tax clinic help with an IRS problem?

Use the Taxpayer Advocate Service LITC finder for an IRS dispute, audit, collection problem or notice.

What to prepare

  • Keep the complete notice, relevant returns and a private list of response dates and previous contacts.

Steps to take

  1. Ask whether the clinic serves your location and issue and can review any approaching deadline.
  2. Confirm eligibility screening, possible small fees and whether the clinic has accepted representation.

What to check before relying on this: LITCs are independent from the IRS. Contacting one does not stop collection or extend a response date; ordinary preparation belongs in a different service.

If that route does not work: If the clinic cannot accept the matter, ask for another clinic or referral and follow the official notice’s response route.

Official and service sources: Taxpayer Advocate Service: low-income tax clinics

Where is my refund, and which tracker is real?

Start on the IRS Refunds page, not an unsolicited message promising to release money.

What to prepare

  • Use the filed return’s tax year, filing status and exact refund amount; enter SSN or ITIN only in the official tracker.

Steps to take

  1. Read the status and any instruction to contact the IRS or supply information. Save the date privately.
  2. If the refund was reduced, lost or stolen, choose that specific help section instead of filing another original return.

What to check before relying on this: An expected refund is not money already available. A published processing estimate does not guarantee your payment date.

If that route does not work: Use the IRS-listed contact route if the tracker directs you there; do not pay someone merely to check a free official status.

Official and service sources: IRS: check a refund or request help

How do I organize bills while waiting for a refund?

List this month’s bills beside the dates when money is actually expected to arrive.

What to prepare

  • Use current statements, due dates and available income. Keep account numbers and passwords out of shared notes.

Steps to take

  1. Mark essential living costs and contact a provider before a missed payment to ask about its hardship options.
  2. Use GetDebtFree’s monthly guide or the CFPB bill calendar to choose one call or payment question.

What to check before relying on this: A budget does not settle a debt, pause a lawsuit or confirm a creditor agreement. Avoid committing a refund you have not received.

If that route does not work: If the numbers still do not cover necessities, use benefits and legal-help routes alongside the bill plan.

Official and service sources: CFPB: bill calendar and cash-flow tools · IRS: check a refund or request help

Continue with a related guide: GetDebtFree: plan this month’s bills

Words you can use when asking for help

I need help with [tax year and task]. Do you handle this return or notice? What documents, costs and appointment arrangements apply? What must I do next?

Prepare my next task

Your choices stay in this open page. They are not sent to us or saved in this browser. Closing or reloading the page clears them. A downloaded file remains on your device; only download it where you can keep it private.

The guides and source links work without JavaScript. You can print the page and mark the steps on paper. The interactive checklist needs JavaScript.

Choose one task

This is your own follow-up date, not an official deadline. Check any deadline in the agency's notice. The calendar file creates an all-day event; choose notification settings in your calendar.

Follow up

  • Keep the preparer’s name, agreed service, next date and filing confirmation together.
  • Read new IRS mail promptly and distinguish a document request from an accepted return or approved refund.

Common questions

Does free federal filing include my state return?

Not always. IRS Free File partners and volunteer sites differ. Confirm state coverage and any charge before preparing the return.

Can I do this without a computer?

The IRS VITA/TCE page lists 800-906-9887 for finding help. Ask the selected site about telephone arrangements, accessibility and what to bring.

Official and service sources

These sections explain access using the sources below. They do not confirm that a provider has openings, that you qualify, or that a professional has reviewed your case. Professional language and reader review of this edition remain pending.