How to find an AARP tax site in your area

AARP runs Tax-Aide, a program that offers free tax preparation at thousands of locations across the country. To find a site near you, go to aarp.org/taxaide and enter your zip code. The search will show you every Tax-Aide location within a reasonable distance, along with hours, whether you need an appointment, and what documents to bring.

Most sites operate during tax season — typically February through mid-April — though some open earlier or stay open longer. The map shows you which locations are currently accepting new clients, since some fill up and close to new appointments before the season ends.

If you do not have internet access, you can call 1-888-227-7669 (AARP's main line) and ask for the Tax-Aide location nearest you. They can tell you the address, hours, and whether you need to book ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tax-Aide website at aarp.org/taxaide shows every free tax site near you, updated daily with which ones are still open to new clients.
  • Most sites are open February through April, but some start earlier or run later, so check the specific dates for your location.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security number, photo ID, and documents showing income, deductions, and any tax forms from employers or banks.
  • Tax-Aide volunteers prepare returns for people of all income levels, not just low-income filers, though the program prioritizes those over 60.
  • If a site is full, the website tells you when it will reopen or suggests the next nearest location with availability.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your Social Security number, a photo ID, and your prior year's tax return if you have one. You will also need any 1099 forms from employers, banks, or investment accounts; a W-2 if you worked; and receipts or records of deductions you plan to claim.

If you own a home, bring your mortgage statement and property tax bill. If you paid medical expenses, student loan interest, or made charitable donations, bring documentation of those too. The volunteer will ask what you have and work with what is available — you do not need to have everything.

Bring your bank account and routing number if you want your refund deposited directly, rather than waiting for a check. This is faster and safer than having a check mailed to you.

Who can use Tax-Aide and what it covers

Tax-Aide is open to people of all income levels. The program prioritizes people over 60, but volunteers also prepare returns for younger filers, self-employed people, and those with investment income or rental property. There is no income limit.

Volunteers prepare federal returns and, in most locations, state returns as well. They handle standard deductions, itemized deductions, credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, and income from wages, Social Security, pensions, and investments. They do not handle complex business returns or certain specialized situations — the volunteer will tell you upfront if your return is outside what they can do.

The service is completely free. AARP volunteers are trained and IRS-certified, and they do not charge a fee or ask for a donation.

What to expect at your appointment

Most appointments last 30 minutes to an hour. The volunteer will ask you questions about your income, deductions, and life changes during the year — marriage, divorce, home purchase, job change — to make sure they capture everything that affects your taxes.

They will prepare your return on their computer while you watch, and you will review it before signing. If you have questions about why something is included or excluded, they will explain it. Once you sign, they will either file it electronically (which is faster) or give you a copy to file yourself.

If you file electronically, you will receive your refund in 5 to 21 days, depending on your bank. If you choose to file by mail, the IRS takes 4 to 6 weeks to process.

When to arrive and whether you need an appointment

Some Tax-Aide sites take walk-ins; others require appointments. The website tells you which is which when you search your location. If appointments are required and the site is full, you can usually book a slot for a later date or try a nearby location.

Arrive early in the tax season if you can — February and early March are less crowded than late March and April. If you have a refund coming, filing early means you get your money sooner. If you owe taxes, you have more time to arrange payment before the April 15 important date.

Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so the volunteer does not have to hunt for things. If you are missing a document, call the site ahead of time and ask whether you can still come in or whether you need to wait until you have it.

What to do if there is no Tax-Aide site near you

If the search shows no locations within a reasonable distance, check whether a site is opening later in the season — some do not start until March. You can also call 1-888-227-7669 and ask whether a volunteer can prepare your return by phone or video, though this is available only in certain areas.

If Tax-Aide is not an option, other free tax preparation programs exist. The IRS maintains a list of VITA sites (Volunteer Income Tax information) at irs.gov/vita. VITA is similar to Tax-Aide but run through community organizations, libraries, and nonprofits rather than AARP. You can search by zip code just as you would for Tax-Aide.

Some libraries and senior centers also offer free tax help during tax season, even if they are not official VITA or Tax-Aide sites. Call your local library or senior center and ask whether they have a tax volunteer available.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Tax-Aide is open to anyone, regardless of AARP membership. You do not need to join or pay anything to use the service.

What if I made a mistake on last year's return?

Tax-Aide volunteers can prepare an amended return (Form 1040-X) to correct errors from prior years. Bring your original return and an explanation of what was wrong. You can amend returns going back three years.

Can Tax-Aide help if I am self-employed?

Yes, if your business is straightforward — a freelance job, rental income, or side gig with straightforward expenses. Bring your income records and receipts for business expenses. If your business is complex or you have multiple income streams, the volunteer may refer you elsewhere.

What happens if I file electronically and the IRS rejects my return?

The volunteer will contact you with the reason and help you fix it. Common rejections are a mismatched Social Security number or a duplicate filing. Once corrected, the return is resubmitted and usually accepted within a few days.

Can I bring someone else's documents and have Tax-Aide prepare their return?

No. The person whose return is being prepared must be present, or they must sign a power of attorney form authorizing you to represent them. This protects privacy and ensures the filer understands and agrees with what is being filed.