The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has just announced it is now accepting applications for the 2026 grant cycle supporting two critical tax assistance programs aimed at helping seniors and underserved Americans. The agency is seeking eligible organizations to apply for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grants starting May 1 through May 31, 2026.
This robust funding opportunity includes a combined total of $53 million awarded in 2026—with $12 million allocated to the TCE program and $41 million to VITA grantees. These grants directly support organizations that provide free federal income tax preparation and counseling, a critical service for millions who face barriers to affordable tax help nationwide.
Major boost for free tax assistance targeting seniors and underserved communities
IRS CEO Frank J. Bisignano emphasized the vital role these programs play:
“The VITA program, which has been around for more than 50 years, provides help to America’s underserved populations, while the TCE program offers specialized assistance for older Americans related to pensions and retirement plans.”
The TCE program specifically focuses on individuals aged 60 and older, offering expert assistance with retirement-related tax issues including pensions and Social Security benefits. Established in 1978, TCE supports older taxpayers who often face complex tax scenarios but may lack access to affordable preparation services.
The VITA program, founded in 1969 and expanded through this grant cycle since 2007, targets underserved taxpayers in both urban and difficult-to-reach rural areas. It helps these populations navigate tax filing electronically, improve volunteer training quality, and enhance accuracy at VITA sites.
Application period opens May 1 and runs through May 31, 2026
Any qualified nonprofit or community organizations interested in expanding or maintaining their free tax assistance services can apply via Grants.gov. The IRS provides extensive support with publications including:
- Publication 1101 – TCE Program Application and Management Guidelines
- Publication 4671 – VITA Grant Program Overview and Application Instructions
- Publication 6085 – TCE Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Publication 6086 – VITA Notice of Funding Opportunity
This makes the program accessible and manageable for organizations across the country, including tribal communities and rural counties throughout Montana and the Mountain West.
Why Montana and US taxpayers should care right now
These grants fuel local programs that directly impact thousands of older Montanans and hard-to-reach residents nationwide, ensuring they receive quality tax preparation without fees. This is especially critical during inflationary periods and as federal tax codes grow more complex.
Expanding access to these services helps reduce tax filing errors, cuts down IRS processing delays, and prevents costly filing mistakes that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
The May 31 deadline means organizations have less than a month to secure funding that will determine their capacity to serve tens of thousands in the 2026 tax season. Success in securing these grants translates to real—often lifesaving—help for seniors and low-income families.
What’s next for applicants and taxpayers
Those interested should act immediately to review the application packages on Grants.gov and prepare submissions for the narrow application window. The IRS expects competitive grant awards to be announced before year-end 2026 to allow funded programs to ramp up in time for filing season.
For Montana residents, this means a continued or expanded presence of trusted VITA and TCE volunteers in local communities, helping taxpayers overcome financial hurdles and tax complexity.
Montana policymakers and nonprofit leaders are encouraged to promote awareness of this funding opportunity to keep vital tax help accessible statewide.
The IRS grant announcement marks a critical moment—organizations and communities must mobilize now to capture funding that supports tens of thousands of Americans who rely on free tax assistance each year.
For full grant details and application resources, visit the official IRS VITA and TCE grants pages on Grants.gov.
