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Tax-Aide Offers Tax Prep Help in Washington

March 15, 2021
Need help text on sticker with tax form, money and calculator. Assistance with filing tax form and calculation.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is currently taking appointments for its free tax preparation and e-filing services. Due to COVID-19 pandemic limitations, the traditional face-to-face meeting with a Tax-Aide counselor is being replaced with a contact-free approach.

Anyone wishing assistance with their tax preparation needs must make an appointment. Washington state taxpayers can make an appointment by calling 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277) and leaving a voicemail message. A volunteer will call back to set up an appointment. Assistance can also be requested through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide website.

All tax preparation interactions will take place via telephone and video conferencing. This free service will be offered through April 15. Tax-Aide is capable of processing most personal tax returns with some limited exceptions.

“Tax-Aide is a free service for anyone who needs help completing their tax return and filing it electronically,” said Terri Jones of Vancouver, AARP Tax-Aide Washington state coordinator. “Our dedicated and certified volunteers will provide the same high-quality service as in years past, just in a different way to accommodate COVID-19.”

Tax-Aide is an all-volunteer organization whose tax counselors are trained and certified by the IRS. Last year, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 25,000 taxpayers in Washington before all sites were closed in mid-March.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide operates 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.

In 2020, 1.5 million taxpayers who used AARP Tax-Aide Foundation received more than $1 billion in income tax refunds. They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or “refund loans.” The service is offered in conjunction with the IRS, and AARP membership is not required.

Bruce CarlsonContributor Bruce Carlson is Associate State Director of Communications at AARP Washington. For more information about AARP Washington, visit aarp.org/washington.

This article originally appeared in the March 2021 issue of AgeWise King County.