AARP offers free tax preparation through a program called Tax-Aide, which operates at thousands of locations nationwide during tax season

AARP Tax-Aide is a volunteer-run program that prepares federal and state tax returns at no cost. The program focuses on people age 50 and older, but does not turn away younger people if a site has capacity. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year, and they prepare returns using the same software the IRS uses internally.

The program runs from early February through mid-April each year, though some sites stay open into May. You do not need to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide — membership is not required. The service covers standard returns, including those with investment income, Social Security, pensions, and rental property, though extremely complex situations (like business ownership or significant capital gains) may be referred elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Tax-Aide sites are located in libraries, community centers, senior centers, and AARP offices across all 50 states, and you can find your nearest location on AARP's website.
  • You will need to bring original documents: photo ID, Social Security card, W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, property tax records, and any records of charitable donations.
  • Most sites operate by appointment only during tax season, and you should call or check online to confirm hours and whether the site is currently booking new clients.
  • Tax-Aide volunteers cannot represent you before the IRS if you are audited, but they can explain what documents the IRS is asking for and help you gather them.

How to locate a Tax-Aide site near you

Go to aarp.org/taxaide and enter your ZIP code in the site locator tool. The search will show you every Tax-Aide location within your area, along with the address, phone number, and hours for each site. Some sites are open only certain days of the week, and many require an appointment.

Call the site directly before you go. Ask whether they are currently taking new clients (some sites fill up and stop scheduling appointments mid-season), what documents you need to bring, and whether they have any restrictions on the types of returns they prepare. If the nearest site is full, the staff can often tell you about other locations nearby that still have openings.

If you live in a rural area or a place with no Tax-Aide site, AARP also offers virtual tax preparation through some locations. Ask when you call whether your nearest site offers remote appointments.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your photo ID and Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Bring all income documents: W-2s from employers, 1099s for interest or dividends, 1099-Rs for retirement distributions, and 1099-Gs for unemployment benefits. If you received Social Security, bring the SSA-1099 statement.

Bring records of deductions you plan to claim. This includes mortgage interest statements (Form 1098), property tax bills, charitable donation receipts, and medical expense records if you itemize. If you paid estimated taxes or made quarterly payments, bring those records. Bring last year's tax return if you have it — the volunteer will use it as a reference.

If you have rental property income, bring the lease, records of repairs and maintenance, property tax statements, and mortgage interest paid. If you sold stocks or other investments, bring the purchase price, sale price, and date of sale for each transaction.

What happens during the appointment

The volunteer will ask you questions about your income, deductions, and life changes from the past year. They will enter your information into tax software and prepare your return on screen. You will see the return before it is filed and can ask questions about any line item.

Once you approve the return, the volunteer will file it electronically with the IRS and your state. You will receive a confirmation number and a copy of your return. The IRS typically processes electronic returns within 21 days, though refunds can take longer depending on your bank.

If the volunteer finds an error or a deduction you missed, they will point it out and explain the impact. You decide whether to make the change — the volunteer cannot force you to claim or not claim anything.

Situations Tax-Aide volunteers can and cannot handle

Tax-Aide volunteers can prepare returns with W-2 income, retirement distributions, Social Security, pensions, investment income, rental property, and charitable deductions. They can handle education credits, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child Tax Credit. They can file amended returns (Form 1040-X) for prior years.

Volunteers cannot represent you in an IRS audit or respond to IRS notices on your behalf. If you receive an audit notice, you can bring it to a Tax-Aide appointment and the volunteer can help you understand what the IRS is asking for and gather the documents you need. You will then need to respond to the IRS yourself or hire a tax professional to represent you.

Volunteers also cannot prepare returns for people who are self-employed with significant business income, have complex investment situations, or own rental properties with major losses. If your situation falls outside their scope, they will let you know at the start of the appointment and can refer you to other resources.

What to expect if you cannot make an appointment

If your nearest Tax-Aide site is full or does not exist in your area, you have other options. The IRS Free File program offers free tax software to people earning under a certain threshold (the income limit varies by year). You can find participating software providers on irs.gov/freefile.

Some community action agencies and nonprofit organizations also offer free tax preparation outside of AARP Tax-Aide. Call 211 (a referral line) and ask for free tax preparation in your area, or search the IRS Volunteer Income Tax information (VITA) program locator at irs.gov/vita.

How to prepare before your Tax-Aide appointment

Gather all your documents at least one week before your appointment. Make a list of any major life changes: marriage, divorce, death in the family, job changes, or moves. Write down the dates these happened.

If you have questions about whether something is deductible, write them down and bring them to the appointment. The volunteer can answer them as you go through the return. If you are unsure whether you need to report something as income, bring the document anyway — it is better to have it and not need it than to forget it.

If you received a notice from the IRS or your state, bring it. If you made estimated tax payments, gather those records. If you had medical expenses, property taxes, or charitable donations, organize those receipts by category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide?

No. AARP membership is not required. The program is open to anyone, though it prioritizes people age 50 and older. If a site has capacity, younger people can also receive help.

What if I missed the tax important date and need to file a late return?

Tax-Aide sites close after mid-April each year, so if you miss the important date, you will need to file on your own or use another service. However, if you are owed a refund, there is no penalty for filing late — you straightforward lose the refund the longer you wait. Contact your nearest Tax-Aide site in the following year to prepare your return then.

Can Tax-Aide help me if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?

Yes. Tax-Aide prepares returns regardless of whether you will owe or receive a refund. The volunteer will show you what you owe and explain your payment options, including installment plans through the IRS.

What if I need to file for multiple years?

Tax-Aide can prepare amended returns for prior years using Form 1040-X. Bring all documents for each year you need to file. Some sites may ask you to schedule separate appointments for each year if the workload is heavy.

Is my information find at a Tax-Aide appointment?

Tax-Aide volunteers sign confidentiality agreements and are trained on data security. Your return is filed electronically using encrypted connections. The volunteer does not keep a copy of your return — you receive the only copy.