Phoenix Free Tax Prep 2027: City of Phoenix VITA, Do-It-Yourself Filing and AARP Tax-Aide
Paying a tax preparer can cost hundreds of dollars, money that matters most to the households who stand to get refunds from credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). In Phoenix, you have several free alternatives for the 2027 filing season: in-person help from IRS-certified volunteers, free do-it-yourself software with volunteer support, and AARP Tax-Aide sites for older taxpayers.
The City of Phoenix says its free services make sure your income, deductions and allowable credits, such as the EITC, are claimed, and that you can save hundreds of dollars in paid preparer fees. Services are first come, first served, so plan ahead.
This guide is based on the City of Phoenix Human Services Department, VITA Central AZ, the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) and the IRS. Income limits and site details can change for the 2027 season, so confirm before you go.
What VITA Is
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is IRS-sponsored. According to the IRS:
VITA and its sister program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified people.
Every volunteer who prepares returns must pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards, including privacy and confidentiality.
The IRS requires a quality review of every return before it's filed.
The IRS doesn't set one program-wide income limit. Individual sites may set their own, and the program generally focuses on taxpayers who meet EITC income guidelines.
TCE focuses on people 60 and older, especially questions about pensions and retirement.
The IRS also notes that services can vary from site to site, depending on which certified volunteers are available.
Option 1: City of Phoenix VITA, In Person
The City of Phoenix VITA Program offers drop-off and in-person service at VITA sites, where you meet an IRS-certified tax preparer.
Income limit: volunteers prepare and e-file returns for households earning $69,000 or less.
Fastest service: schedule an appointment online at your preferred location and time.
No internet? Call (602) 534-8359. You can leave a voice message, and a VITA volunteer will call back, from a blocked number, within a few days to check your eligibility and schedule you if you qualify. The city asks you to leave only one message.
Email: vita.taxhelp@phoenix.gov. TTY users can dial 7-1-1.
The city posts a document checklist in English and Spanish on its free tax preparation page.
Tip: because callbacks come from a blocked number, answer unknown calls for a few days after you leave a message.
Option 2: Do It Yourself With Volunteer Help
If you're comfortable on a computer, Phoenix offers Facilitated Self-Assistance, free tax software you use yourself with volunteers available to help.
Income limit: up to $89,000 in adjusted gross income, a higher limit than in-person service.
Help: step-by-step guidance and help from VITA volunteers with basic tax law questions.
Spanish: available.
Requirements: basic computer skills and last year's tax return.
How to get access: email vita.taxhelp@phoenix.gov for free access.
The city says you file electronically and can access your return anytime. It posts Do It Yourself instructions in English and Spanish, plus a how-to video.
Option 3: MyFreeTaxes.com
The city also points residents to MyFreeTaxes.com, which offers step-by-step guidance to file federal and state returns online for free, with self-paced support from IRS-certified volunteers through online chat. All you need are basic computer skills to file from home.
Option 4: VITA Central AZ Clinics in Maricopa County
VITA Central AZ runs VITA tax clinics at various locations in Maricopa County. It says VITA offers free help to people who generally make $69,000 or less, people with disabilities, older adults and taxpayers with limited English. Its returns include free electronic filing of both federal and state returns.
Phone: 480-215-4279
Email: info@vitacentralaz.org
Hours: Monday to Saturday, varying by location; closed Sunday.
Option 5: AARP Tax-Aide for Older Taxpayers
ADOR says AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax help with a special focus on taxpayers over 50 with low to moderate income, for both federal and Arizona returns. The IRS says most TCE sites are run by AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program. To find one between January and April, use the AARP Site Locator or call 888-227-7669.
Other Free Filing Routes
IRS VITA locator: the City of Phoenix points non-residents and anyone wanting another site to the IRS VITA Site Locator. The IRS says you can also call 800-906-9887. The IRS notes the locator is updated regularly from February through April, so check back if you don't see sites early.
Arizona Free File Alliance: ADOR says some Arizona taxpayers who meet certain criteria may e-file free through this partnership between ADOR and tax software companies.
Self-Prep at select sites: the IRS says some sites let you prepare your own basic federal and state return with a volunteer's guidance. Look for "Self-Prep" in the site listing.
Which Option Fits You
You want someone to prepare your return for you and your household earns $69,000 or less: book City of Phoenix VITA or a VITA Central AZ clinic.
You're comfortable using a computer and want to file on your own schedule: use Phoenix's Do It Yourself option (up to $89,000 AGI) or MyFreeTaxes.com.
You're over 50 or retired and have pension or retirement questions: look for an AARP Tax-Aide or TCE site.
You live outside Phoenix: use the IRS VITA Site Locator or call 800-906-9887.
Your return is complicated: call ahead, because the IRS says available services vary by site depending on which certified volunteers are there.
What to Bring
The IRS's checklist for free tax return preparation includes:
Photo ID for you and your spouse if filing jointly, such as a driver's license, state ID, military ID or passport.
Social Security cards for you, your spouse and your dependents, or ITIN notices if you don't have Social Security numbers.
Birth dates for everyone on the return.
Income forms: W-2s, W-2G, 1099-R and 1099-MISC from all employers, plus SSA-1099 Social Security statements and bank 1099s for interest and dividends.
Last year's federal and state returns, if you have them.
Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check.
Child care costs and your provider's tax ID number.
Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance.
Married filing jointly? The IRS says both spouses must be present to sign the forms needed to e-file.
Phoenix Free Tax Prep Checklist
Decide: in person (income $69,000 or less) or do-it-yourself (up to $89,000 AGI).
Book a City of Phoenix VITA appointment online, or call (602) 534-8359 and leave one message.
For the DIY option, email vita.taxhelp@phoenix.gov.
If you're over 50, check AARP Tax-Aide (888-227-7669).
Gather ID, Social Security cards and every income form before your visit.
Bring a blank check for direct deposit.
If filing jointly, bring your spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VITA really free? Yes. The IRS describes VITA and TCE as free basic tax return preparation, and the City of Phoenix calls its services free.
What if I earn more than $69,000? You may still be able to use Phoenix's do-it-yourself option, with an $89,000 AGI limit, or MyFreeTaxes.com.
Can VITA do my Arizona return too? VITA Central AZ says its returns include free e-filing of both federal and state returns, and ADOR says AARP Tax-Aide helps with federal and Arizona returns.
I don't live in Phoenix. Can I still get help? The city points non-residents to the IRS VITA Site Locator, and VITA Central AZ serves locations across Maricopa County.
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