The 2005 Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Cooperative Agreement application process is now open!

The IRS E-Grants Program

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers FREE tax help to individuals who are age 60 or older. This cooperative agreement is authorized by Section 163 of the Revenue Act of 1978, Public Law No. 95-600, 92 Stat. 2810, November 6, 1978. This Act authorizes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to enter into agreements with private or non-governmental public non-profit agencies or organizations, exempt under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code, that will provide training and technical assistance to elderly individuals in the preparation of their Federal Income Tax Returns. Grant funds are used to reimburse volunteers for out-of-pocket expenses including transportation, meals, and other expenses incurred by them in providing tax counseling assistance at locations convenient to the taxpayers. 

For more information see Publication 1101, Application Package and Guidelines for Managing a TCE Program.   In addition, qualifying organizations are able to access web-enabled electronic services to apply for grants under the TCE Program during the application period using The IRS E-Grants Program.

All applications must be received no later than August 2, 2004.

As part of the IRS-sponsored TCE Program,  AARP offers the Tax-Aide counseling program at more than 9,000 sites nationwide during the filing season.  Trained and certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors help people of low-to-middle income with special attention to those aged 60 and older.  For more information on AARP's Tax-Aide Program or for the location of their sites, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit AARP's Internet Website
To locate the location, dates and hours of the closest TCE site call the IRS toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040. 

Looking for more opportunities to get involved to help or partner?    Thousands of organizations nationwide are partnering with IRS to make a difference in their communities. We invite you to join our partner network and provide your clients, employees, organization members, and members of your communities with the information and assistance they need, want and value. With so many tax benefits available today, taxes can serve as the starting point for a dream leading to stronger financial security for many people.