AARP's Tax Help Programs: What They Cover and What They Don't

AARP runs two tax programs for people 60 and older: the Tax-Aide program, which offers free tax preparation at local sites, and a tax information website. Tax-Aide is the larger one — volunteers prepare and file your federal return for free if your income is below a certain threshold, which changes yearly. AARP does not do your taxes for you straightforward by being a member; you have to find a Tax-Aide location near you and bring your documents in person or by appointment.

The tax information website is free to everyone, not just members, and covers common questions about retirement income, Social Security, deductions, and credits. It does not prepare your return or give personalized tax information. If you need help beyond these two programs — complex investments, rental property, business income — you will need to hire a tax professional outside of AARP's offerings.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Tax-Aide offers free federal tax return preparation at local sites for people 60 and older with income below a set limit, usually around $60,000 for single filers, though this amount changes yearly.
  • Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified, but they prepare returns only at scheduled times and locations — you must bring documents in person or attend a virtual appointment.
  • AARP's tax information website is free and open to anyone, but it provides education only, not personalized preparation or filing.
  • If your tax situation is complex — business income, rental property, significant investments — Tax-Aide may refer you to a paid tax professional.

How AARP Tax-Aide Works and Who Can Use It

Tax-Aide is a partnership between AARP and the IRS. Volunteers at local sites — libraries, community centers, senior centers, and AARP offices — prepare your federal return for free. To use the program, you must be 60 or older, and your income must fall below a threshold set each year by the IRS. In recent years that threshold has been around $60,000 for single filers and $120,000 for married couples filing jointly, but it changes annually, so check the AARP Tax-Aide website or call 1-888-227-7669 to confirm the current limit.

You bring your documents — W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductible expenses, proof of charitable donations, mortgage interest statements, and any other income records — to an appointment at a Tax-Aide site. The volunteer reviews your documents, asks questions about your situation, and prepares your return. They file it electronically for you. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how complex your return is. You do not pay anything, and AARP does not ask for a donation.

Tax-Aide sites are not open year-round. Most operate from early February through mid-April, though some locations stay open longer. You can find a site near you by visiting the AARP Tax-Aide locator on their website or calling the number above. Many sites require you to book an appointment in advance, especially during peak tax season.

What Documents and Information You Need to Bring

Bring originals or copies of every document that shows income or deductions. This includes your Social Security card or tax ID, photo ID, W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms for interest, dividends, or self-employment income, and records of any other income. If you own a home, bring your mortgage interest statement (Form 1098) and property tax records. If you made charitable donations, bring receipts or bank statements showing the donations.

Bring proof of any deductions you plan to claim — medical expenses, education costs, childcare, or business expenses if you have self-employment income. If you received unemployment benefits, Social Security, or pension income, bring the statements showing those amounts. If you are claiming dependents, bring their Social Security numbers and proof of relationship. The volunteer will tell you which documents are required for your specific situation once you sit down.

If you do not have all your documents ready, call ahead to ask whether the Tax-Aide site can still prepare your return or whether you should wait until you have everything. Some volunteers can work with incomplete information and file an amended return later if needed; others prefer you to return when you have all your papers.

State and Local Tax Returns: What Tax-Aide Covers

Tax-Aide prepares your federal return only. Whether they also prepare your state return depends on the site and your state. Some Tax-Aide locations offer state return preparation, but not all. Call ahead or check the site information when you book your appointment to find out whether state preparation is available where you are.

If your state return is not prepared at Tax-Aide, you have other options. Many states run their own free tax preparation programs for low-income residents. Your state's department of revenue website usually lists those programs. Some Tax-Aide sites can refer you to a state program or a volunteer who prepares state returns separately.

When Tax-Aide May Not Be the Right Fit

Tax-Aide volunteers are trained to handle straightforward returns — W-2 income, standard deductions, common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or property tax deduction. If your return is more complex, the volunteer may tell you they cannot prepare it or may refer you to a paid tax professional. Complex situations include self-employment income beyond a certain threshold, rental property or investment income, business losses, significant charitable donations, or multiple sources of income across states.

If you have questions about tax strategy — whether to take the standard deduction or itemize, how to handle a large inheritance, or whether a business expense is deductible — Tax-Aide volunteers can answer some questions, but they are not tax advisors. They prepare returns based on the information you give them; they do not plan your taxes or suggest ways to lower your bill. For that kind of guidance, you would need to hire a CPA or tax attorney.

If you missed the Tax-Aide season or no site is near you, other free or low-cost options exist. The IRS Free File program offers free federal return preparation through private tax software companies if your income is below a certain level. Community Action Agencies and some nonprofits also offer free tax preparation in many areas. You can search for programs near you through the IRS website or by calling 211.

AARP Membership and Tax Help: What Membership Includes

AARP membership does not give you special access to Tax-Aide or any tax preparation service. Tax-Aide is open to anyone 60 or older who meets the income limit, whether or not they are an AARP member. You do not need to join AARP to use Tax-Aide, and membership does not speed up the process or may provide an appointment.

AARP members do have access to the AARP tax information website and discounts on some tax software products, but these are minor benefits. The main tax service AARP offers — Tax-Aide — is available to non-members as well. If you are considering AARP membership for tax help alone, that is not a strong reason to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Tax-Aide is open to anyone 60 or older with income below the annual threshold, regardless of AARP membership. You do not need to join AARP to use the service.

What if my income is above the Tax-Aide limit?

You would not be able to use Tax-Aide. You could use the IRS Free File program if you may have access to, hire a tax professional, or prepare your own return using tax software. Some community organizations offer preparation for people above the Tax-Aide income limit, so check with your local tax information programs.

Can Tax-Aide help if I have self-employment income?

It depends on the amount and complexity. Tax-Aide volunteers can handle some self-employment income, but if you have a business with multiple expenses, employees, or losses, they may refer you to a paid tax professional. Ask when you call to book your appointment.

What happens if I make a mistake on my return after Tax-Aide files it?

You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Tax-Aide volunteers can sometimes help you file an amendment, but not all sites offer this service. Call ahead to ask. If you cannot amend through Tax-Aide, you can file the amended return yourself or hire a tax professional.

Is there a charge for Tax-Aide, or does AARP ask for a donation?

Tax-Aide is completely free. AARP does not charge a fee or ask for a donation. The service is funded by AARP and the IRS as a public service.