Can you recommend community-based tax assistance services for a student who just needs help filing a basic return?

Yes — for a student with a simple tax return, the best options are usually free or low-cost community tax assistance programs. Here are the main ones to look for:

1) VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)

• Best for: People with low-to-moderate income, including many students
• What it offers: Free basic tax return preparation by IRS-trained volunteers
• Good for: W-2 income, scholarships, part-time jobs, basic credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit
• Find it: Search “IRS VITA locator” or call 211 in many areas

2) TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly)

• Best for: Older taxpayers, usually 60+
• Not usually the right fit for a student, but worth knowing if helping a family member

3) University-sponsored tax clinics

• Best for: Students at colleges with accounting, law, or business programs
• What it offers: Free help, often from supervised student volunteers
• Where to look: Your campus student services, business school, or financial aid office

4) Local nonprofits and community centers

• Examples: United Way, libraries, neighborhood centers, immigrant support organizations
• What they offer: Free filing help, especially for simple returns
• Tip: Ask if they use IRS-certified preparers

5) IRS Free File

• Best for: Students comfortable doing taxes online themselves
• What it offers: Free guided tax filing through approved software if you meet income requirements
• Find it: Search “IRS Free File”

6) State or city tax help programs

• Some local governments and charities run seasonal tax prep services, often around tax season.

What to bring

For a basic student return, bring:

• Photo ID
• Social Security card or ITIN
• W-2s and/or 1099s
• 1098-T form from your school
• Records of scholarships, grants, and tuition payments
• Bank account info for direct deposit
• Last year’s tax return if you have it

Quick tip

If the return is truly simple, a VITA site or campus tax clinic is usually the best first choice: free, in-person, and designed for exactly this situation.

If you want, I can also help you find specific programs near your school or city.