IRS Form 15080 Chinese-Traditional – In today’s complex tax landscape, many taxpayers rely on free services like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to prepare and file their returns. If you’re using these IRS-sponsored volunteer sites and want to streamline your experience across different locations, IRS Form 15080 plays a crucial role. Specifically, the Chinese Traditional version of this form—officially titled “Consent to Disclose Tax Return Information to VITA/TCE Tax Preparation Sites (Chinese Traditional Version)”—allows non-English speakers to authorize data sharing in their preferred language. This article breaks down everything you need to know about IRS Form 15080 in Chinese Traditional, including its purpose, how to use it, and where to download it, based on the latest IRS guidelines.
What Is IRS Form 15080?
IRS Form 15080 is a consent document that authorizes the disclosure of your tax return information to participating VITA and TCE tax preparation sites. These programs offer free tax help to low- to moderate-income individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, and limited English proficient taxpayers. The form enables a feature called “Global Carry Forward,” which transfers your tax data from one year to the next across different volunteer sites using TaxSlayer LLC software.
The Chinese Traditional version (Form 15080 (zh-t)) is designed for taxpayers who prefer Traditional Chinese characters, making it accessible for communities in regions like Taiwan, Hong Kong, or among diaspora groups. It’s identical in content to the English version but translated for clarity. The latest revision is dated October 2025, ensuring it aligns with current federal disclosure laws.
Purpose of IRS Form 15080 (Chinese Traditional Version)
The primary goal of Form 15080 is to give taxpayers control over their personal tax data while facilitating easier future filings. Under federal law, the IRS cannot share your tax return details with third parties—beyond preparing and filing your current return—without explicit consent. This form provides that permission specifically for VITA/TCE sites.
Key purposes include:
- Enabling Data Portability: Through Global Carry Forward, your demographic, financial, and income information (e.g., name, address, SSN, income sources, deductions, credits, and dependent details) can be automatically populated into next year’s return at any participating site using TaxSlayer.
- Supporting Multilingual Users: The Chinese Traditional edition ensures that speakers of this language variant can fully understand and agree to the terms without language barriers.
- Protecting Privacy: While consenting allows data sharing, the form emphasizes that federal protections may not apply to further use or distribution of the information once disclosed.
Importantly, signing this form is optional and cannot be required as a condition for receiving VITA/TCE services. If no duration is specified, consent lasts one year from the signature date, but the standard terms extend it through November 30, 2027.
Who Needs to Use IRS Form 15080?
This form is ideal for taxpayers who:
- Use VITA/TCE services and plan to switch volunteer sites in future tax seasons.
- Want to avoid re-entering data manually each year.
- Prefer the Chinese Traditional language for legal documents to ensure comprehension.
You don’t need it if you’re sticking with the same site or preparer, as data sharing isn’t required for the current year’s filing. It’s particularly useful for immigrants, elderly individuals, or low-income families in the Chinese-speaking community who benefit from free tax prep but may visit different locations annually.
If you’re concerned about privacy, note that you can limit the consent’s duration or scope by denying it altogether—there’s no partial opt-in option outlined in the form.
How to Fill Out IRS Form 15080 (Chinese Traditional)?
Filling out the form is straightforward and typically done at a VITA/TCE site:
- Read the Disclosures: Review the federal disclosure statement, terms, and limitations carefully. The Chinese Traditional version translates key sections like the Global Carry Forward explanation and privacy warnings.
- Provide Consent: If agreeing, print your name, sign, and date the form. For joint filers, both spouses must sign.
- PIN Verification: Allow the tax preparer to enter a PIN in the software to confirm your consent.
- Request a Copy: You’re entitled to a signed copy for your records.
If you suspect improper use of your information, contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484 or via their website.
Where to Download IRS Form 15080 (Chinese Traditional Version)?
The official PDF for the Chinese Traditional version is available directly from the IRS website. Download it here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15080fr.pdf. This is the most current edition (Rev. 10-2025).
Form 15080 is also available in other languages for broader accessibility, including:
- English: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15080.pdf
- Chinese Simplified: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15080zs.pdf
- Arabic: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15080ar.pdf
- Bengali: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15080bn.pdf
- German: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15080de.pdf
- And more—check the IRS Forms and Publications page for the full list.
Benefits of Using VITA/TCE with Form 15080
By consenting via Form 15080, you can save time on future tax filings, especially if you’re part of the Chinese Traditional-speaking community relying on volunteer assistance. These programs have helped millions file accurately and claim eligible credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Remember, all VITA/TCE volunteers are IRS-certified, ensuring reliable service.
For more details on VITA/TCE programs or tax preparation help, visit the IRS website or locate a site near you. Always consult official IRS resources to stay updated on tax laws and forms.
This guide is based on the latest available information as of February 2026. Tax rules can change, so verify with the IRS for any updates.