Text that reads, "If you're feeling stressed about tax season, you've got options." Below is a stressed person at a desk.

Resources for Tax Season

Are tax documents arriving in the mail and weighing you down? There are a number of programs and resources that can help you file both your state and federal taxes!

For federal taxes, you may be able to file for free using the Internal Revenue Service’s Free File. If you qualify based on your income, you can use guided tax software that will do all that tax math for you. Even if you don’t qualify, you can still use Free File Fillable forms. Learn more by visiting IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free.

For filing individual income tax in Montana, check out the Montana Department of Revenue’s page on Montana Income Tax Filing Options and Resources. This page offers resources on electronic filing options, paper filing, free filing options, tax professionals, and other free resources. Some of these resources include federal tax filing help.

Finally, there are two federal programs that offer free basic tax return preparation for qualified individuals. 

  • The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program gives free tax help to people who generally make $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, and people who speak limited English. 
  • The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help to people who are 60 or older, and specializes in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues that are unique to elders. 

Learn more about these two programs on the IRS’s page on Free tax preparation for qualifying taxpayers.

Facing complicated tax issues? MLSA may be able to provide legal assistance. You can apply at MontanaLawHelp.org/apply or call 1-800-666-6899 Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to 1pm.

For help with a dispute with the IRS, the University of Denver Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) assists Montanans. The tax clinic can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in the U.S. Tax Court. You can become a client by reviewing the income guidelines and completing the new client application.

MLSA shares legal tips to help Montanans better understand their rights and find free resources. Follow us for more helpful info!

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[Image description: A green background with white and black text that reads, “If you’re feeling stressed about tax season, you’ve got options.” Below is a graphic of a person in a blue shirt sitting slumped at a desk, their hand against their head.]