AARP offers free tax preparation through two main programs: Tax-Aide and a partnership with IRS-certified volunteers

AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax preparation service run by AARP in partnership with the IRS. Trained volunteers prepare your federal and state tax returns at no cost. You do not need to be an AARP member to use it — the service is open to anyone, though it focuses on people age 50 and older with low to moderate income.

The second option is finding an IRS-certified volunteer through AARP's locator tool. These are tax professionals who have passed IRS certification and volunteer their time. Both routes are genuinely free — no hidden fees, no upsells, no pressure to buy anything.

Tax-Aide operates during tax season only, typically from early February through mid-April. Hours and locations vary by site. The IRS volunteer program runs year-round in some locations, though most activity happens during tax season.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Tax-Aide is free and open to anyone, not just AARP members, and focuses on people age 50 and older with low to moderate income.
  • You can find a Tax-Aide location or IRS-certified volunteer near you using AARP's online locator at aarp.org/taxaide.
  • Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified, and they handle both federal and state returns.
  • You will need to bring documents: photo ID, Social Security card or ITIN, last year's tax return, and records of income, deductions, and credits.
  • Appointments fill up quickly during peak tax season, so contacting your local site early increases your chances of getting a slot.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to a Tax-Aide appointment, gather these documents. The volunteer cannot prepare your return without them, and showing up unprepared means wasting a slot that someone else could use.

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security card or ITIN, and your last year's tax return if you filed one. You will also need records of all income: W-2s from employers, 1099s from self-employment or side work, interest and dividend statements from banks and investment accounts, and Social Security benefit statements if you receive them.

If you claim deductions or credits, bring receipts and records: mortgage interest statements, property tax bills, medical expense records, charitable donation receipts, and childcare or dependent care invoices. If you paid estimated taxes or had taxes withheld, bring those records too. The more organized you are, the faster the appointment moves.

How to find a Tax-Aide location near you

AARP maintains a searchable locator at aarp.org/taxaide. Enter your zip code and the tool shows you nearby sites, their hours, and how to schedule an appointment. Some sites let you book online; others require a phone call.

Call ahead before you go. Many Tax-Aide locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis during certain hours, but some take appointments only. Hours vary widely — some sites open early morning, others in the afternoon. A quick call tells you whether to show up or book a slot.

If you cannot find a Tax-Aide site in your area, use the same locator to search for IRS-certified volunteer preparers. These are individual tax professionals, not AARP staff, but they are trained and certified by the IRS and offer free preparation.

What Tax-Aide volunteers can and cannot do

Tax-Aide volunteers prepare straightforward federal and state returns. They handle W-2 income, Social Security benefits, pensions, interest, dividends, basic deductions, and common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral.

They cannot handle complex situations: self-employment income with significant business expenses, rental property income, capital gains from stock sales, business partnerships, or recent major life changes like divorce or inheritance. If your return falls into these categories, the volunteer will tell you upfront and refer you to a paid preparer or suggest you contact the IRS directly.

Tax-Aide also does not represent you before the IRS if you are audited. If the IRS contacts you about your return, you will need to respond yourself or hire a tax professional.

When to schedule your appointment

Tax season runs from early February through mid-April, but the busiest weeks are mid-March through early April. If you can go in February or early March, you will face shorter waits and have more appointment slots to choose from.

Schedule as soon as your documents are ready. Do not wait until April to gather W-2s and 1099s — by then, most sites are booked solid or have stopped taking new appointments. If you receive a refund, filing early means the money reaches your bank account sooner.

Some Tax-Aide sites stay open into mid-April, but availability drops sharply after April 10. If you miss the important date, you can still file late, but you will need to prepare your return yourself or pay a tax preparer.

AARP membership and cost

You do not need to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide. The service is free for everyone. AARP membership costs money and offers other benefits (discounts on hotels, insurance, and products), but tax preparation is not one of them — it is a free community service.

Some AARP members use Tax-Aide; others do not. Membership status does not change the cost or quality of preparation. If someone tells you that you must join AARP to get free tax help, they are wrong.

What happens after your return is prepared

The volunteer prepares your return and reviews it with you. You will see the numbers before anything is filed. If you have questions about a deduction or credit, ask then — the volunteer can explain the reasoning.

Once you approve the return, you have options for filing. Most Tax-Aide sites offer e-file, which means the IRS receives your return electronically. E-filing is faster than mailing a paper return and produces a confirmation number the same day. The IRS typically processes e-filed returns within 21 days.

If you owe taxes, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer through the IRS website. If you are owed a refund, you can have it deposited directly into your bank account — faster and safer than waiting for a check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 or older to use Tax-Aide?

Tax-Aide focuses on people age 50 and older with low to moderate income, but the service is open to anyone. If you are younger or have higher income, you can still contact a site and ask. Some sites may have capacity; others may refer you elsewhere.

What if I cannot get to a Tax-Aide location in person?

Some AARP Tax-Aide sites offer remote preparation by phone or video, especially after the 2020 pandemic. Call your local site to ask whether they offer this option. If not, search the IRS locator for volunteer preparers who may offer remote service.

Can Tax-Aide help me file an amended return from a previous year?

Yes, Tax-Aide volunteers can prepare amended returns (Form 1040-X) if you need to correct a mistake on a prior year return. Bring the original return and documentation of what changed. The process is the same as a regular return.

What if I made a mistake on my return after it was filed?

Contact the Tax-Aide site where you filed. If the error is the volunteer's mistake, AARP may cover the cost of an amended return. If it is your mistake, you can file an amended return yourself or return to Tax-Aide for help preparing one.

Is there a limit to how much income I can have to use Tax-Aide?

AARP focuses on people with low to moderate income, but income limits vary by site and year. Call your local site to ask whether your income qualifies. Some sites are flexible; others have strict cutoffs. Asking costs nothing.