Whether you must file a federal tax return depends on your filing status, age, gross income, and whether someone else can claim you as a dependent. Certain situations—such as receiving advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit—may also require you to file.
An AARP Foundation Tax-Aide counselor can help determine whether you need to file. You can also use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant tool, “Do I Need to File a Tax Return?”
Even if you are not required to file, doing so may benefit you. Filing a return allows you to:
- Claim a refund of federal income tax withheld from wages, pensions, Social Security, or other income
- Recover any estimated tax payments you made
- Claim refundable credits such as the Earned Income Credit (EIC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit
Filing a return may also help reduce the risk of tax identity theft.
Tax-Aide volunteers are IRS-certified to prepare most federal income tax returns. However, the program must follow IRS rules that limit the types of returns volunteers can prepare.
A return may be out of scope if it includes:
- Certain digital asset transactions (such as receiving or selling cryptocurrency)
- Complex self-employment situations (employees, losses, expenses over $50,000, depreciation, home office use, etc.)
- Certain Schedule K-1 income
- Complex capital gains or losses
- Rental income (except land-only rentals)
- Royalty income with expenses not related to self-employment
- Alternative Minimum Tax, Additional Medicare Tax, or Net Investment Income Tax
- Certain gambling situations
For further information, please see our poster “How We Can Help You Today.”
In some cases, volunteers must review your documents and consult with their Local Coordinator to determine whether your return is within scope. If it is not, you may need to use a paid tax preparer or prepare your return yourself.
Tax-Aide cannot recommend specific tax preparers or software. The IRS provides guidance on choosing a tax preparer and offers an online directory of credentialed paid preparers.
Watch this video to learn more.You may also want to watch this IRS video on how to “Choose a Tax Preparer Wisely.”
Yes. Our services are completely free. Tax-Aide counselors are volunteers, and equipment and supplies are provided by the AARP Foundation through IRS grants and donations. Host locations provide space as a public service.
Volunteers cannot accept tips or donations at Tax-Aide sites. If you wish to support the program, you may donate directly to the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program at the following address.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
601 E. Street, NW
Washington, DC 20049
If you wish, you can designate on your check that your monetary donation is being made for the benefit of the Washington State Tax-Aide program, District 20 which serves Thurston County, Washington.
Yes. Volunteers follow IRS Standards of Conduct and Tax-Aide policies to keep your information confidential and secure. Returns are prepared on secure Tax-Aide Chromebooks using IRS-provided software over encrypted connections, and e-filed through IRS-approved systems.
Yes. In addition to in-person preparation, Tax-Aide offers a program where a volunteer can coach you while you prepare your own return using free software.
Please visit the the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service website for further information. If you want an IRS-certified volunteer to coach you while you prepare your own return online for free click the Request Help button found here.
Other free services include the IRS-sponsored VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) programs. You can find nearby locations through the IRS website.
“Find a Location for Free Tax Help.”
Taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less may also qualify for IRS Free File, which provides free online software to prepare and e-file returns.
No computer? No. Problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access. Taxpayers can do their taxes on their smartphone or tablet.
Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITC) assist low income individuals who have a tax dispute with the IRS, and provide education and outreach to individuals who speak English as a second language (ESL).
LITCs are independent from the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). LITCs represent individuals whose income is below a certain level and who need to resolve tax problems with the IRS. LITCs can represent taxpayers in audits, appeals, and tax collection disputes before the IRS and in court. LITCs can also help taxpayers respond to IRS notices and correct account problems. In addition, LITCs can provide information about taxpayer rights and responsibilities in different languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Services are offered for free or a small fee.
Low Income Taxpayers can seek help from the University of Washington Tax Clinic in Seattle, Washington by calling (206)685-6805 or (866)866-0158 (toll free) Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For further information, please visit their website.