Washington kicks off free tax preparation

Washington's AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites are open throughout the state to prepare and e-file personal tax returns. This free tax service is available to taxpayers of all ages and income levels. Appointments can be made online, and many sites also accept walk-ins. Most sites will prepare tax returns and e-file them through the April 15 filing deadline. 

The free service includes personal federal, full-year, and non-resident Oregon tax returns as well as the Washington Working Family Tax Credit. While most typical returns can be prepared by Tax-Aide volunteers, there are limitations based on some forms of business-related income and the complexity of the return. Eligibility is determined at the site. 

The Tax-Aide tax service is available by appointment and on a walk-in basis, depending on the site. 

Visit the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site to make appointments.  

In addition to in-person tax preparation, Tax-Aide offers two other options for taxpayers with computer skills. Taxpayers can prepare and e-file their taxes at home using Tax-Aide software or at a Tax-Aide site using Tax-Aide computers. In both instances, IRS-certified counselors are available to answer questions, either in person or via telephone and computer screen sharing. The availability of do-it-yourself tax preparation varies by site. 

The Working Families Tax Credit is a tax refund that helps Washington residents and their families get more money back at tax time. The refund returns a portion of sales tax paid each year. Last year, the tax credit helped nearly 200,000 Washington residents who received $115 million in tax credits. 

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide operates the nation’s largest all-volunteer tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified annually to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. 

Last year, 28,000 volunteers helped more than 1.7 million taxpayers receive more than $1.3 billion in refunds. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.