Tax Counseling for the Elderly

This Act authorizes an appropriation of special funds, in the form of grants, to provide tax assistance to persons age 60 years of age or older. The IRS receives the funds as a line item in the budget appropriation. The total funds are distributed to the grant recipients for their expenses. 

Eligible agencies and organizations compete for acceptance as a TCE grant recipient in compliance with the Federal Grant and Cooperative Agreement Act of 1977, Public Law No. 95-224, 92 Stat. 3, February 3, 1978, codified at 31 USC Chapter 63. Applicants must be experienced in coordinating volunteer programs, with experience in income tax return preparation. Eligible agencies and organizations receive grants to conduct local TCE Programs.  Tax return preparation assistance is provided to elderly taxpayers during the usual period for filing federal income tax returns, which is from January 1 to April 15 each year. However, the program activities required to ensure that elderly taxpayers receive efficient and quality tax assistance can be conducted year-round.