How to Get Free Tax Help for Seniors Through AARP Tax-Aide

AARP Tax-Aide is one of the largest free tax preparation services in the United States, operating at thousands of sites in all 50 states. It is run by AARP volunteers who are trained and certified by the IRS each year to prepare federal and state tax returns. The service is available to anyone. But it is especially focused on people who are 50 years of age or older.

You do not have to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide. The service is free for everyone who qualifies. And there is no income limit — though the types of returns that can be prepared are limited to common situations. Volunteers can handle W-2 income, Social Security and pension income, investment interest and dividends, and common tax credits. Very complex returns involving business ownership or complicated investment portfolios may be outside the scope of what volunteers can prepare.

AARP Tax-Aide sites operate from February 1 through April 15 each year. Locations include public libraries, senior centers, community organizations, and churches. Some sites take walk-ins, and others require appointments — the AARP locator will tell you what each site requires.

The volunteers who prepare your taxes are neighbors and community members who choose to give their time to help others. They undergo training every year to keep up with changes in tax law, and IRS-certified reviewers check each return before it is filed. The goal is accuracy and saving you money on a preparation fee you do not have to pay.

AARP Tax-Aide also offers a fully online option called "Tax-Aide Online" where you can prepare your return with the help of a virtual volunteer if you prefer not to leave home.