Being an adult is all fun and games until you have to file your taxes! *Cries in adult tears*

Whether we like it or not, tax season is officially knocking, El Paso and for a lot of locals, finding the right person to help you file your taxes can be a challenge, but for many who struggle financially, trying to find someone to file them for free is even more challenging.

Good news: help is out there, and you don’t have to drop a dime to get your taxes done right.

Read More: East El Paso’s Growing Wish List

Where To File Taxes For Free in El Paso, TX

If you make $85,000 or less, the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is your new bestie. VITA offers free, in-person tax prep by IRS-certified volunteers, plus electronic filing, at sites all across the city. Services usually kick off in late January and pop up at familiar places like GECU locations and El Paso ISD campuses.

One of the biggest local resources is Free Taxes El Paso, which provides in-person help for qualifying individuals and free online self-prep options for those earning up to $84,000. You can find locations and hours at freetaxeselpaso.org or by dialing 2-1-1. GECU also partners with VITA to host convenient filing sites, and Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo (Tigua) offers free tax prep for tribal members, employees, and the surrounding community.

 

If online filing is more your vibe, the IRS Free File program lets eligible taxpayers (generally earning $60,000 or less) file federal taxes online at no cost.

VITA sites are usually first-come, first-served, so show up early and come prepared. Bring your photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters, birthdates for everyone on your return, W-2s and 1099s, health insurance forms, and your bank info for direct deposit.

 

Read More: El Pasoans Say These 10 Signs Instantly Expose Bad Drivers

Office of Senator César J. Blanco Hosting Free Tax Service Event

Mark your calendar because another free option will be happening on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The Office of Senator César J. Blanco will host a Free Tax Service Event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. MST at Anthony High School’s Computer Lab located at 825 Wildcat Dr., Anthony, TX 79821.This free event is designed to make filing stress-free and help families claim every dollar they’ve earned.

Items You Must Bring:

For married filing jointly, both spouses must be presentOriginal photo identification such as driver’s license, school, employer, military, or state ID for you and your spouse (if married)Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer IdentificationNumber documents for you, your spouse, and dependentsBirth dates for you, spouse, and dependentsA copy of last year’s tax returnAll Forms W-2 and 1099Form 1095-A, if applicableInformation for other incomeInformation for all deductions and creditsTotal paid to daycare provider and their tax ID numberFor direct deposit of refund, proof of account and bank’s routing numberFor prior year returns, copies of income transcripts from IRS (and state, if applicable)El Paso’s Eastside Grows: Pizza Joint & Orange Cow Open New Locations

Orange Cow Burger and The Pizza Joint are opening new Eastlake locations in El Paso, making it easier for eastside residents to enjoy local favorites.

Gallery Credit: Iris Lopez

Throwback: Bad Bunny in El Paso, Texas

Before the Grammys and the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny played El Paso venues. Remember when he was just warming up for what would become a historic global rise?

Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Jorge Salgado