Mike Demicco

The 2016 income-tax filing season is under way and there are a number of services available to assist in filling out tax forms for the IRS and State of Connecticut.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

To obtain more information and find a tax assistance program near you, go to this website or this website.

In addition, individuals and families with incomes of up to $60,000 can file their taxes for free online, with assistance, at www.MyFreeTaxes.com.

Free assistance in completing Connecticut tax returns is available from the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services by calling 860-297-5962 or in person at any of the regional walk-in centers in Bridgeport, Hartford, Norwich and Waterbury. The DRS website lists additional free tax return assistance with the federal return.