We Are Closed Until the 2026 Tax Season
All AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Sites in Thurston County are now closed. Our volunteer Tax Counselors are not available until the 2026 Tax Season to help taxpayers file their Federal Individual Income Tax Returns or to apply for the Washington State Working Families Tax Credit.
We will reopen our Tax-Aide sites for the 2026 Tax Season in early February 2026. We will open our Appointment Line and start taking appointments for the 2026 Tax Season in mid January 2026. If you would like notice when we reopen, you should subscribe to our Annual Newsletter.
If you need assistance before then, your options are limited. You can (1) visit the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Online Tax Assistance webpage where you can Submit a Request for Tax Help; (2) look into preparing and e-filing your own tax return through the IRS Direct or IRS Free File Program (for households whose Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $79,000 or less); or (3) seek help from a paid tax preparer. The IRS has guidance on selecting a paid tax preparer and a directory for finding one on this webpage.
What Taxpayers Should Do If They Get Mail From the IRS
IRS sends notices and letters when it needs to ask a question about a taxpayer’s federal tax return, let them know about a change to their account or request a payment. Don’t panic if mail comes from the IRS – they’re here to help.
When a taxpayer receives mail from the IRS, they should:
Read the letter carefully. Most IRS letters and notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice deals with a specific issue and includes any steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer’s account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
Review the information. If a letter is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they don’t agree with the information, if the IRS asked for more information or if they have a balance due.
Take any requested action, including making a payment. The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several options to help taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill.
Reply only if instructed to do so. Taxpayers don’t need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. There is usually no need to call the IRS. If a taxpayer does need to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter.
Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer doesn’t agree with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute what the notice says. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute.
Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS. These include adjustment notices when the IRS takes action on a taxpayer’s account. Taxpayers should keep records for three years from the date they filed the tax return.
Watch for scams. The IRS will never contact a taxpayer using social media or text message. The first contact from the IRS usually comes in the mail. Taxpayers who are unsure whether they owe money to the IRS can view their tax account information on IRS.gov
More information
Taxpayers Who Missed the April 15 Tax Filing Deadline Should Pay Their Taxes and File As Soon as Possible
Taxpayers who missed the April 15, 2025 but owe taxes should file their return AND pay the taxes they owe as soon as they can to avoid additional penalties and interest. While taxpayers can get an extension to file their return late, this does not excuse them from paying their taxes on time.
Even if a taxpayer cannot afford to pay immeditely the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible to minimize the penalties and interest they will otherwise incur. The IRS offers options for taxpayers who need help paying their tax bill. To learn more about penalties, visit this IRS webpage. Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid timely for the past three years and meet other requirements. For more information, visit this IRS webpage.
Get an Extension to File Your Tax Return
If you need more time to file your taxes, request an extension by the April 15, 2025 filing deadline. This gives you until October 15 to file without penalties. Make sure you pay any tax you owe by the April filing date. The extension is only for filing your return. It does not extend the deadline for paying any taxes due. When requesting an extension, you should estimate how much tax you owe for the year and pay these taxes by April 15, 2025 to avoid having to pay a “failure to pay” penalty and additional interest.
To learn more, visit this IRS webpage. You can use Direct File or IRS Free file to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension. You can also request an extension by mail, using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
For further guidance, watch this IRS Video:
Where's My Refund
You can check on the status of your Federal tax refund by using the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool.
Learn More About IRS Online Accounts and How to Create One
You can use an IRS Online Account to securely access the latest information available about your federal tax account and see information from your most recently filed tax return.
Access tax records.
Get or retrieve your Identity Protection (IP) Pin.
View or Create Payment Plans.
View your tax owed.
- Manage your communication preferences from the IRS.
View the status of your refund as it’s being processed.