Grants open for tax help for the poor and underserved

The Internal Revenue Service is taking applications for grants for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs.

Grants.gov is accepting applications from May 1 through May 31 for the two programs, which last year helped taxpayers file more than 2.1 million returns nationwide. Eligible organizations can apply for annual funding to provide free assistance with federal tax return preparation for up to three years.

VITA recipients can use grant funds for wages or salaries of persons coordinating VITA program activities; developing training materials; conducting training and performing quality reviews of the returns prepared; and ordinary and necessary costs associated with the program operation in accordance with cost principles under the Office of Management and Budget circular.

JAY MALLIN/BLOOMBERG NEWS

TCE recipients may use grant funds for reimbursing volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses, including transportation, meals and other expenses; and salaries, wages and benefits for personnel who provide administrative or database support and for technical personnel who provide electronic filing support.

The IRS established the TCE program in 1978 to provide tax counseling and return prep to persons who are generally 60 or older. The VITA grant program was established in 2007 to supplement the VITA program created in 1969; VITA provides free filing help to underserved communities.

More information is available at the IRS VITA and TCE grants webpage on IRS.gov.