Free IRS‑approved tax filing sites in 2026 as deadline nears

Free, IRS‑trained volunteer tax help through VITA and TCE is available across Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware for qualifying taxpayers, and organizers say many eligible people miss credits each year.

With under two weeks before the April 15 filing deadline, free IRS‑approved tax preparation is available in the Philadelphia region. Local sites such as the Campaign for Working Families in Brewerytown are preparing returns with volunteer help. These services operate under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. Organizers report that many eligible taxpayers do not claim credits and that volunteers, including students, are helping meet high demand. Key details: - VITA uses IRS‑trained and certified volunteers to prepare returns at no charge. - VITA services are generally available to taxpayers earning $69,000 or less, reported as an eligibility threshold. - In Philadelphia an estimated 40,000 people each year fail to claim tax credits they may qualify for, leaving millions of dollars unclaimed. - The Earned Income Tax Credit is cited as a commonly missed benefit and can be worth on average about $3,500 depending on income and family size. - A TCE program for seniors is available, with many sites run by the AARP Foundation’s Tax‑Aide program. - Organizers report that volunteers include Wharton students who receive IRS certification and course credit, and that the average paid tax preparation fee is reported as over $300. Summary: Free, IRS‑approved volunteer tax programs are operating across Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware and aim to prepare returns for qualifying low‑ and moderate‑income taxpayers. Organizers say many eligible people miss credits each year and that they are seeking additional volunteers who can receive IRS certification. The IRS VITA/TCE Locator Tool lists participating sites.