Get Your Taxes Done for Free
Español|You’ve got taxes to file. But do-it-yourself software can be confusing — and some paid tax preparation services cost money you might not be able to spend. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide can help.
Beginning February 1 and continuing through April 15, AARP Foundation is providing in-person tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program — and it’s completely free.
Last year, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 197,661 California residents claim $92,652,064 in federal refunds and $13,103,657 in earned income tax credits. The program is offered at approximately 399 sites in California including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.
“Tax-Aide is one of the hallmark programs of AARP Foundation. Its success is the direct result of dedicated, trained volunteers who spend countless hours helping people get the tax refunds they deserve. Last year AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helped California residents secure close to $93 million in income tax refunds and $13 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs),” said Nancy McPherson, AARP CA State Director.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide started in 1968 and is the nation’s largest volunteer-run free tax preparation service. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year. There’s no fee, and AARP membership is not required.
Tax-Aide volunteers are trained to find all allowable deductions including the CalEITC (California Earned Income Tax Credit), a tax credit that puts money back into the pockets of California’s working families and individuals. Together with the federal EITC, CalEITC is one of the most effective tools in the state to lift California families out of poverty; families can use the EITC to buy shoes, put food on the table, pay bills, and cover their basic needs.
And see below for a few local program highlights (continue to visit this webpage, as it will be updated on a regular basis).
TaxMobile: To reach individuals throughout California, Tax-Aide will provide services via a “TaxMobile” where IRS-certified volunteers will prepare taxes on board a specially equipped bus. You may also see the bus outside of one of our traditional Tax-Site.
Following are upcoming dates and locations for the TaxMobile: More AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Bus Sites to come for the Southern California Region!!
| Day/Date/ Schedule | Location/Address | County | Appointment Phone # | Walk-in/Appointment |
| Wednesday, Feb. 5th 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM | Galk Police Station 455 Industrial Drive, Galt, CA 95632 | Sacramento | 211 (in Sacto. County) or 916-498-1000 | Appointments |
| Tuesday, Feb. 18th 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Yuba City Independent Senior Living Ctr. 804 Cooper Ave. Yuba City, CA 95991 | Sutter | FULL | Appointments only |
| Sunday, March 1st 4:00 PM to 8 PM | Woodland Food Truck Event Downtown Woodland on First Street | Yolo | 503-661-2001 | Walk-in & Appointment |
| Tuesday, March 3rd 9 AM to 5 PM | Davis Senior Center 646 A. St, Davis, CA 95616 | Yolo | 503-661-2001 | Appointments only |
| Sunday, March 22th TBD | Elk Grove Gurudwara Sahib (Sikh Temple) 7733 Elk Grove, Florin Rd., Sacto, CA 95829 | Sacramento | TBD | TBD |
| Monday, March 23rd 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | El Dorado Hills | Placer | 530-303-7046 | Appointments |
| Friday, April 3rd 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM | El Dorado Hills | Placer | 530-303-7046 | Appointments |
| Saturday, April 4th 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Emanuel Iglesia Metodista/ Emanuel United Methodist Church 5954 44th Street, Sacramento CA 95824 | Sacramento | 211 (in Sacto. County) or 916-498-1000 | Appointments/Walk-Ins |
Traditional Tax-Aide Sites: Each year, nearly 3,000 volunteers administer AARP Foundation Tax-Aide in California. There are about 400 locations in neighborhood libraries, community centers, malls, banks, mobile units, and senior centers. To find us in your community, visit out online tax locator tool, plug in your zip code, and get a list of tax sites near you. Or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
Highlights of Selected Sites: More AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Bus Sites to Come!!
The bus will also be stage for promotion as a mobile billboard and not staffed to do taxes on Sunday February 9th at 3PM-5PM at the Woodland Food Truck Event located at "Food Truck Sunday Downtown Woodland on First Street.
Website http://www.mojoskitchen428.com/first-sundays-food-truck-mania-in-downtown-woodland/ . This is in order to promote the Tax Prep Date on March 3rd at the same location. The Woodland Food Truck event is normally on the first of each month, with the exception of Super Bowl Sunday they are having February’s event on the 9th.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest volunteer-run free tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.
Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide in 2019 received $1.6 billion in income tax refunds and more than $200 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans. The program is offered in conjunction with the IRS, and AARP membership is not required.
To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
About AARP Foundation AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope.
To learn more about AARP Foundation visit aarpfoundation.org.
