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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide, and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.

Program Status

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service is closed for the 2025 tax season. This year, 28,300 Tax-Aide volunteers helped to secure $1.3 billion in total refunds for over 1.7 million people.

If you believe you owe taxes this year, please refer to IRS’s File Your Tax Return webpage or consult a paid tax preparer for guidance on filing your taxes.

If you are comfortable preparing your own taxes and have an annual gross income under $84,000, you can use the free Online Taxes Software by clicking on the ‘Prepare My Own Taxes’ button below.

Have Someone Prepare My Taxes

Have an IRS-certified volunteer prepare your taxes.

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Prepare My Own Taxes Online

Use free software to prepare your own taxes with the assistance of an IRS-certified volunteer coach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is AARP Foundation Tax-Aide available this year?

Yes, generally Tax-Aide service will run from February 1 to April 15.

Can Tax-Aide help file my taxes?

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers can help with most, but not all, tax returns. If you have an extremely complicated return, such as one that involves a small business with employees, rental income, or alternative minimum tax (AMT), Tax-Aide may not be able to help. See what type of taxes we can prepare.

What are my options for service?

Access to the different types of assistance below varies on the site.

  • IN-PERSON SERVICE
    Tax preparation is completed by a Tax-Aide volunteer on-site in one visit.
  • ONE-VISIT SCAN
    Internet Access Required
    You visit a Tax-Aide site, where a digital copy of your tax documents is created and stored in the IRS-provided software used to prepare your return. Tax-Aide volunteers then prepare the return remotely. You work with a volunteer online to conveniently finalize the return, file it and have the return sent to you using a secure transmission.
  • TWO-VISIT SCAN
    You visit a Tax-Aide site, where a digital copy of your tax documents is created and stored in the IRS-provided software used to prepare your return. Tax-Aide volunteers then prepare the return remotely. During a second visit, you work with a volunteer to finalize your return and obtain a printed copy.
  • DROP OFF SERVICE
    You visit a Tax-Aide site and leave your tax documents with an IRS-certified volunteer. Your return is prepared by Tax-Aide volunteers working remotely. During a second visit, you work with a volunteer to finalize your return and file it. You leave with a printed copy of the return and your original documents.
  • NO SITE VISIT REQUIRED
    Internet Access Required
    You create digital copies of your tax documents and upload them to the IRS-provided software used to prepare your return. Tax-Aide volunteers prepare your return remotely. You work with a volunteer online to finalize the return, file it, and have the return sent to you using a secure transmission.
  • ONLINE COACHING
    This is our Alternative Tax Preparation model where the taxpayer prepares their own return and can leverage support from an IRS-certified volunteer to help them along. Access to good internet, a computing device and the ability to do one’s own data entry are required.
  • FACILITATED SELF-ASSISTANCE
    You schedule an appointment at a Tax-Aide site and an IRS-certified volunteer will provide support as you complete and file your own taxes.
  • SELF-PREPARATION
    The taxpayer fully prepares their own return using a software product that has been made available through our website.