Printable Form 2026

IRS Publication 4870 – IRS Form, Instructions, Pubs 2026

IRS Publication 4870 – Tax season offers more than just filing your return — it’s a powerful window to build long-term financial stability. IRS Publication 4870 (Rev. September 2024, Catalog Number 55292S) is the official IRS resource that shows taxpayers exactly how to turn “tax time” into an opportunity for Financial Education and Asset Building (FEAB).

Whether you’re receiving a refund, opening your first bank account, improving your credit, or exploring homeownership, this concise publication connects you to free or low-cost programs from trusted federal agencies. Below is everything you need to know about IRS Publication 4870, why it matters, and actionable steps to take advantage of these opportunities in 2025 and beyond.

What Is IRS Publication 4870?

Published by the Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Publication 4870 explains how tax preparation season creates unique moments to link individuals and families — especially those with modest incomes — to financial education and asset-building programs.

The core message: “Tax time provides unique opportunities to connect individuals and families to financial education and asset building (FEAB) programs… Let’s work together to make a difference, one life at a time.”

The 2024 revision (posted October 9, 2024) remains the most current version as of February 2026 and is designed primarily for:

  • Taxpayers filing through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites
  • Low- to moderate-income families
  • Anyone wanting to build savings, improve credit, or achieve homeownership

You can download the free PDF directly from the official IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4870.pdf.

Key FEAB Opportunities Highlighted in Publication 4870

The publication focuses on seven practical, high-impact areas you can act on during tax filing:

  1. Credit Counseling & Understanding Your Credit Report
    Your credit score affects loan rates, housing, and even job opportunities. Publication 4870 directs taxpayers to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for free resources on:

    • Getting annual free credit reports (AnnualCreditReport.com)
    • Disputing errors
    • Building or repairing credit
    • Avoiding credit-repair scams

    Tip from CFPB: Request your free reports at least once a year — it doesn’t hurt your score.

  2. Financial Literacy Training (Free or Low-Cost)
    Learn budgeting, saving, debt management, and banking basics through the FDIC Money Smart program — one of the most recommended curricula in the publication.

    • Interactive games, videos, and lesson plans for all ages
    • Available online at FDIC.gov/MoneySmart
    • Many VITA sites offer on-site workshops or referrals
  3. Opening Savings or Checking Accounts
    Many free tax-prep locations partner with banks and credit unions to open accounts on the spot. This is often the first step toward building assets and receiving direct-deposit refunds safely.
  4. Debit Cards for Refunds
    You can have your federal refund loaded onto a prepaid debit card issued by participating financial organizations — a convenient option if you don’t yet have a traditional bank account.
  5. Direct Deposit – The Fastest & Safest Way to Get Your Refund
    The IRS strongly recommends direct deposit over paper checks. Funds typically arrive in 1–3 weeks (vs. up to 8 weeks for paper checks) and reduce the risk of lost or stolen refunds.
  6. Split Refunds (Up to 3 Accounts)
    Use Form 8888 to divide your refund across multiple accounts — for example:

    • Part to savings
    • Part to checking
    • Part to pay off debt or an IRA contribution
      This simple strategy helps taxpayers build emergency savings automatically.
  7. Homeownership Programs for Low- to Moderate-Income Families
    Publication 4870 highlights U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) resources, including:

    • HUD-approved housing counseling (free or low-cost one-on-one advice)
    • FHA loans with low down payments
    • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Homeownership Program
    • Public Housing homeownership initiatives

    Find a HUD-approved counselor near you at HUD.gov or by calling 800-569-4287.

Who Should Use IRS Publication 4870?

  • Taxpayers earning under $54,000 (typical VITA/TCE eligibility)
  • First-time bank account holders
  • Families wanting to build emergency savings
  • Anyone interested in credit improvement or homeownership
  • VITA/TCE volunteers and community partners who help deliver these services

How IRS VITA & TCE Programs Make FEAB Easy?

The IRS partners with thousands of community organizations, banks, credit unions, and nonprofits through VITA and TCE. These free tax-prep sites don’t just prepare your return — they:

  • Offer financial workshops
  • Help open bank accounts on-site
  • Connect you directly to HUD counselors and FDIC Money Smart classes
  • Provide one-on-one coaching for debt reduction and wealth building

In 2024–2025, these sites helped millions of taxpayers save preparation fees (average $500+ for simple returns) and redirected those savings into asset-building opportunities.

Step-by-Step: How to Take Advantage of FEAB Opportunities This Tax Season?

  1. Download Publication 4870 from IRS.gov.
  2. Schedule your appointment at a free VITA/TCE site (use the IRS VITA Locator Tool).
  3. Ask about on-site banking partners and financial workshops.
  4. Request direct deposit and complete Form 8888 if splitting your refund.
  5. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for your free credit report.
  6. Explore FDIC Money Smart courses online or at your tax site.
  7. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor if you’re thinking about buying a home.

Why These Opportunities Matter More Than Ever?

Building financial resilience starts with small, actionable steps at tax time. Using direct deposit, opening a savings account, or learning budgeting through Money Smart can create lasting habits that reduce reliance on high-cost payday loans and improve credit scores over time.

The IRS, CFPB, FDIC, and HUD all emphasize the same goal: moving families from “financially underserved” to financially empowered.

Download & Additional Resources

Pro Tip: Always verify the latest information directly on the official .gov websites, as programs and eligibility can be updated annually.

Start building your financial future today — tax time is the perfect moment. Download IRS Publication 4870, visit a VITA site, and take that first step toward greater financial well-being.

This article is based on official IRS Publication 4870 (Rev. 9-2024), IRS VITA/TCE program materials, CFPB, FDIC, and HUD resources as of February 2026.