Tax Preparation
Filing our taxes can be overwhelming even for those of us who do not have complicated finances. Fortunately, these programs help older adults and others prepare their tax returns.
Click on the v-shaped arrow to the right of each program description to view more information.
Trained volunteers can provide free in-person or virtual assistance with preparing and filing taxes.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone (targeted to low- and moderate-income people 50 and older)
Address: see website for local sites
Phone: (888) 687-2277
Email: taxaide@aarp.org
The IRS funds programs that provide free tax preparation services by trained volunteers for older adults, people who meet financial eligibility requirements, those living with disabilities, or limited English speakers.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: eligibility requirements vary by program; see website or contact local program for details
Address: use the on-line Locator Tool or call to find nearby programs
Phone: (800) 906-9887
Website: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
Note: go to https://www.ftb.ca.gov/help/free-tax-help/VITA_Locator/ to find free tax help nearby
This independent organization within the IRS helps taxpayers whose tax-related problems are causing financial difficulty and who have not been able to resolve this issues through normal IRS channels.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone experiencing a federal tax problem
Address: 4330 Watt Ave., Stop SA-5043, Sacramento, CA 95821
Phone: (916) 974-5007 or (877) 777-4778
The Sacramento Public Library provides links to state and federal tax forms and instructions on its website. Although they do not provide printed forms, online forms can be downloaded and printed using the library's mobile printing service.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone
Website: https://www.saclibrary.org/Community/Civic-Services/Government-Services
The United Way offers free on-line tax preparation for those whose household income was less than $65,000. They also provide a self-preparation tool and additional information on their website.
Cost: no cost
Who Is Eligible: anyone may access information; financial eligibility requirements apply to receive free online tax preparation assistance
Website: https://yourfreetaxprep.org/
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This page was created by Catheryn Koss.