AARP Tax-Aide Offers Free Tax Preparation Service Open Now

The U.S. tax code is complicated. As a result, many taxpayers overpay, turn to services they can’t afford, or don’t file—missing out on credits and deductions they’ve earned. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and remote tax preparation help to anyone, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over age 50 and have low to moderate incomes. 

Tax-Aide sites are now open throughout the state of Washington to prepare and e-file personal tax returns. This free tax service is available to taxpayers of all ages and income levels and membership in AARP is not required. Appointments can be made online now. Many sites also accept walk-ins. Most sites will be preparing tax returns though the April 15 filing deadline.  

“Last year, 1,100 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers at 116 sites around the state completed and e-filed 40,000 tax returns in Washington with refunds of over $39.7 million,” said Cindy Gossett, Washington Tax-Aide state coordinator. “Tax-Aide helps taxpayers get the refunds and credits they’ve earned, free of charge and with no hidden fees. For many seniors on fixed incomes, that refund can make a real difference in covering everyday essentials, like food, utilities and medicine.”

Taxpayers can find information on Tax-Aide in Washington, including how to prepare for your appointment, at https://wa1.taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/ or by calling 1-888-227-7669.  Help with scheduling appointments is available at all local sites. Tax-Aide sites can be found online at www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp-taxaide/locations/.  

Washington Tax-Aide is entirely staffed by volunteers who are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. That includes the new senior bonus deduction—up to $6,000 for individuals age 65 and older or $12,000 for those filing jointly—that AARP helped fight for.

In addition to in-person tax preparation, Tax-Aide offers options for taxpayers who have some computer skills. Taxpayers can prepare and e-file their own taxes at home using Tax-Aide software on their own computer or at a Tax-Aide site using Tax-Aide computers. In both instances, IRS certified counselors are available to answer questions, either in person or via telephone with computer screen sharing. Availability of do-it-yourself tax preparation varies by site. 

The free service includes personal federal and full year and nonresident Oregon tax returns, as well as the Washington Working Family Tax Credit. This credit helps Washington residents and their families apply for additional refunds. The refund returns a portion of sales tax paid each year. Last year, nearly 288,000 Washington residents received a total of $208 million in refunds from the program.  

While most typical returns can be prepared by Tax-Aide volunteers, there are limitations based on some forms of business-related income and the complexity of the return. Determination of eligibility is determined at the site. 

Bruce Carlson

Charles Humble is an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteer. Bruce Carlson is associate state director for communications with the AARP Washington State Office in Seattle.