Tax Preparation Software
Marcelene Vasconez
In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
VITA/TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA/TCE volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. They also assist taxpayers with the preparation of thousands of Facilitated Self-Assistance returns.
Before going to a VITA or TCE site, see Publication 3676-B PDF for services provided and check out What to bring to ensure you have all the required documents and information our volunteers will need to help you.
VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations across the country. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site near you, use the VITA Locator Tool or call 800-906-9887.
When looking for a TCE site, keep in mind that a majority of the TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation's Tax Aide program. To locate the nearest AARP TCE Tax-Aide site between January and April use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669.
At select tax sites, taxpayers also have an option to prepare their own basic federal and state tax return for free using web-based tax preparation software with an IRS-certified volunteer to help guide you through the process. This option is only available at locations that list "Self-Prep" in the site listing.
The IRS Free File Program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and many tax preparation and filing software industry companies who provide their online tax preparation and filing for free. It provides two ways for taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax online for free:
Your information is protected from any unauthorized access while it is sent to the IRS. Free File partner companies may not disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without your informed and voluntary consent. These companies are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and IRS e-file regulations.
Prior year returns can only be filed electronically by registered tax preparers for the two previous tax years. The IRS does not allow electronic filing for prior year returns through self-preparation websites. You must print, sign, and mail prior year returns. Our Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help you find preparers in your area who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion. You can also check the professional organizations many tax preparers belong to.
Always remember to print your return after you successfully file online. If you forget to print your return, you can order a free transcript. Depending on the type of transcript you request, you'll get more or less of the information from your return.
Preparing for the MCAT exam takes time and dedication. Balancing your preparation with an already busy schedule can be a challenge. The AAMC has resources and practice products to help you no matter where you are in the preparation process.
Discover the complete list of foundational concepts, content categories, skills, and disciplines you will need to know for test day. We also offer the outline as a course in the MCAT Official Prep Hub, with links to free open access resources covering the same content.
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program assists those who, without financial assistance, would be unable to take the MCAT exam or apply to medical schools that use the AMCAS. The benefits include discounted fees, free MCAT Official Prep products, and more.
In New York State, there are three routes to becoming a certified teacher: 1) a traditional 4-year undergraduate, 2-year graduate college preparation program or approved college certificate program that leads to teacher certification, 2) an approved, registered "alternative" teacher preparation program, also offered through an institution of higher education but with characteristics that distinguish it from "traditional" programs, and 3) individual transcript evaluation. These pathways are described on the Office of Teaching Initiatives (OTI) website at .
On July 14, 2000, the Board of Regents approved alternative teacher preparation (ATP) programs in New York State designed to attract highly competent people who possess a bachelor's degree with a major in the subject they plan to teach, but who initially lack courses in teaching. After completing a rigorous 200 clock hour introductory component that includes at least 40 field hours and after passing two certification tests, candidates in ATP programs are eligible to be employed as full-time certified teachers of record in NYS public schools. While teaching, they receive mentoring support from hiring school districts, supervision from the ATP programs, and take additional college courses to complete their teacher certification requirements. After successfully completing the requirements of the ATP, the Teacher-candidate may apply for an Initial teaching certificate. Note: In 2012, in an effort to address teacher shortages, the Board of Regents voted to amend these regulations to allow certified teachers in one certification area to enter an ATP program in a different certification area.
Admission into a ATP program depends on the college or university offering the ATP program; however, there are certain general minimum requirements. Most applicants have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a major in the subject in which they plan to teach at secondary grade levels, or a liberal arts and sciences major for teaching at elementary grade levels, and at least 30 semester hours in the certification area that may include 12 semester hours in a related subject (cognate). The institutions that offer the ATP can best inform potential applicants if their undergraduate majors are appropriate for the subject they wish to teach, or what additional coursework they may need prior to admission or before completing a degree.
To receive a Tier II or Tier III educator license in Wisconsin, applicants can complete an approved program and demonstrate competency in the Wisconsin Educator Standards. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction approves educator preparation programs leading to licensure at entities including Wisconsin colleges/universities, CESAs, school districts, and private companies.
Under the program approval approach to educator licensing, Wisconsin-approved program completers are granted a license by the Department of Public Instruction based on the endorsement (i.e. recommendation) by the certification officer of the approved program.
If the approved program is offered by an entity that is not a college or university, the candidate in this program must meet the minimal degree requirements prior to admission. These approved programs do not grant a degree.
To search all approved educator preparation programs, use Find a Prep Program button below to download an Excel spreadsheet. Note: The spreadsheet is updated often. Revisit the link to access the most up-to-date list.
Contact Information for Approved Educator Preparation Programs The following includes contact information for the educator preparation programs approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Entities have flexibility under Wis. Admin. Code sec. PI 34 to develop distinct preparation programs that reflect their unique missions, goals, and structures. Entities are responsible for providing evidence that their programs prepare educators who can meet the standards established by the State of Wisconsin in Wis. Admin. Code sec. PI 34 Subch. III and IV. The evidence is reviewed during the program approval process to ensure that entities have met all program approval requirements of Wis. Admin. Code sec. PI 34.
Covers data from the 2020-22 school years including data on enrollment and completion of educator preparation programs, passage rates on licensure exams, educator recruitment, shortage areas, demographics, salary and fringe, retention, and retirement.
Covers data from the 2019-21 school years including data on enrollment and completion of educator preparation programs, passage rates on licensure exams, shortage areas, demographics, salary and fringe, retention, and retirement.
WI educator preparation programs must demonstrate alignment with national standards or licensure content guidelines as indicated below for program approval. The department uses the standards embedded in Subchapter II of PI 34 and national standards for license subject area content guidelines. Wisconsin content guidelines are utilized when there are no national standards available specific to the license. Educator Preparation Programs should contact their DPI liaison with questions.
National standards should be adopted for the following licenses unless otherwise indicated. The license-specific standards are available using these links.
Educator Preparation Programs should contact their DPI liaison with questions.