Let us help you get the best possible results on your tax return! Our volunteers are IRS-certified every year to ensure they know the current U.S. tax code. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helps low to middle income taxpayers file personal tax returns for free.  We focus on taxpayers 50 and older, but AARP membership is not required.

Due to COVID-19, our different locations may have very different processes and procedures from one location to another; in addition, many sites have closed or changed location due to the pandemic. 

All free tax preparation sites require an appointment; there are no walk-in locations.

Tax Prep Options

Dropoff sites typically schedule a short (~15 minute) appointment during which they will collect your tax papers and information, prepare your return, and then schedule a follow-up appointment for you to review your return so it may be electronically filed  at a later date. Some locations will digitize your papers and return them to you on the spot, while others may retain your papers until the return is complete.

In person sites will prepare your return with you present; you will leave with a completed and electronically filed tax return.

While-U-Wait sites will prepare your return while you wait outside of the tax preparation room – perhaps in your car, perhaps in a separate room. You will leave with a completed and electronically filed return.

What To Expect When You Arrive

You should ensure you have received all the necessary tax documents before making an appointment. You will need to obtain and complete a packet before coming in for your interview.  All your tax information must be presented to us on paper. Unfortunately, we cannot take tax information from your phone.

We can help with most, but not all tax returns, so be sure to read the list of items on the scope page that we cannot help with.

How Your Tax Return Will Be Prepared

On the day of your tax appointment, you must wear a mask, bring your own pen, and review the COVID-19 screening questions.  At your intake appointment, a Counselor will review all your documents and conduct an intake interview. During the interview, he will confirm the numbers on your government-issued photo IDs, Social Security cards, ITIN letters, and banking information (if you want direct deposit or debit) and return these documents to you.  Upon completion of the interview, you will leave the site and all other tax documents will remain with us at the Arlington Central Library TaxAide site.

After you leave the site, Counselors working on your return will contact you by phone if they have any questions for you.  Following completion of your return, a volunteer will call you to tell you when to return to the site to review and sign your return and to retrieve your documents.  Please answer calls from unknown numbers during this time.

When you return to the site, a Counselor will briefly review a printed copy of your return with you.  After approving the return, you and your spouse (if filing jointly) will be asked to sign Form 8879.  You will receive the original Form 8879 with your signature, a copy of your tax return, and all of your tax documents prior to leaving the site.

We look forward to serving you this tax season.