Tax Preparation Information

Tax Preparation Information

Free Filing Tools:

Federal Tax Return: The IRS’s new Direct File tool will be available to all Connecticut residents during the upcoming tax season. This free service allows individuals and couples to file their federal tax returns directly with the IRS. To learn more about Direct File, including when the service opens for the 2025 filing year, sign up here.

State Tax Return: The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services offers a free, online filing tool, myconneCT, individuals and couples can use to file their tax returns. The tool can also be used to register new businesses, make delinquent tax payments, and file additional tax forms. For more information, visit the myconneCT website.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance:

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Through the IRS’s VITA program, individuals who meet the following criteria may receive free assistance in preparing their tax returns:

  • Individuals who generally earn $64,000 or less in a year
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Taxpayers with limited English fluency

To find a VITA site near you, use the online site locator or call 800-906-9887 for help.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE): Free tax preparation assistance is also available for senior citizens through the IRS’s TCE program. A majority of TCE sites are operated by the AARP’s Foundation Tax Aide program. To find a TCE site near you, use the online site locator tool or call 888-227-7669 for help.

Tax Credit Information:

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  • The Earned Income Tax Credit helps low- to moderate-income workers and families receive a tax break. If you qualify, the credit can reduce the taxes you owe – and potentially increase your refund.
  • The amount of your credit may vary if you have children, dependents, are disabled or meet other criteria.
  • To check if your income meets the qualification threshold to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, click here.
  • For more information regarding the Earned Income Tax Credit, click here.  

Child and Dependent Care Credit

  • Did you individually or with your partner spend money this year on care for a child or dependent while you worked or looked for work? If you qualify, you may be able to receive a tax credit ranging between $3,000-$6,000.
  • You may be eligible to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit if:
    • Your dependent or qualifying child was under age 13 when the care was provided, 
    • Your spouse who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lived with you for more than half of the year,
    • An individual who was physically or mentally incapable of self-care, lived with you for more than half of the year, and either: (a) was your dependent; or (b) could have been your dependent except that he or she received gross income of $4,700 or more, or filed a joint return, or you (or your spouse, if filing jointly) could have been claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's 2024 return.
  • The IRS allows households to claim this credit if they spent money on a wide range of expenses, including daycare, babysitting, summer camp, before- and after-school programs, and more. 
  • To confirm your eligibility for the Child and Dependent Care Credit, click here.
  • For more information regarding the Child and Dependent Care Credit, click here.

Child Tax Credit:

  • The Child Tax Credit helps families with qualifying children receive a tax break. You may be able to claim the credit even if you don't normally file a tax return.
  • You may receive up to $2,000 in tax credits for each child under the age of 17. In some instances, households can receive a tax refund of up to $1,700 per child. 
  • To claim the Child Tax Credit, your annual income cannot exceed $200,000 (or $400,000 if filing jointly).
  • To see if you qualify to receive the Child Tax Credit, click here.
  • For more information regarding the Child Tax Credit, click here.

Eco-Friendly Home Upgrade Tax Credits and Rebates:

  • Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments in America’s green transition, the Department of Energy now offers a variety of tax credits and rebates to homeowners to offset environmentally friendly property renovations.
  • While these tax credits and rebates apply to a wide range of upgrades, common qualifying renovations include:
    • Solar panel installation
    • Heat pump installation
    • Electric stove or oven purchase
    • Window replacement
    • And more!
  • For more information regarding qualifying upgrades, click here.
  • Interested in learning more about how to improve your home’s energy efficiency? For more information about home energy assessments, click here.