How to Find and Book an AARP Tax-Aide Appointment Near You

AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation through volunteers at local sites, and you can search for appointments online by location

AARP Tax-Aide is a volunteer-run program that prepares tax returns at no cost for people who earn under a certain income threshold — usually around $60,000 for single filers, though this varies by year. You find and book appointments through the AARP Tax-Aide locator on the AARP website, which shows you sites near your address, their hours, and whether they have openings. Most sites operate during tax season (February through April) and some extend into early May. You can book online, by phone, or by walking in, depending on the site.

The program is run by AARP but staffed entirely by trained volunteers, not AARP employees. Sites are hosted at libraries, community centers, senior centers, and other public buildings. You do not need to be an AARP member to use the service.

Key Takeaways

• Search for Tax-Aide sites near you on the AARP website using the location finder, which shows hours, appointment availability, and what documents each site accepts.
• Most sites require you to bring original documents: W-2s, 1099s, proof of deductions, and photo ID, so check the site's requirements before you go.
• Appointments typically last 45 minutes to an hour, and many sites let you book online, though some still take phone calls or walk-ins only.
• If a nearby site is fully booked, check again in a few days — cancellations open slots regularly, and new time slots are added as the season progresses.
• Tax-Aide volunteers cannot prepare returns with complex business income, rental property, or certain investment situations, so confirm your return type is within scope when you book.

How to search for Tax-Aide sites on the AARP website

Go to aarp.org/taxaide and click the "Find a Location" button. Enter your zip code or city name. The map will show all Tax-Aide sites within your area, with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Each site listing also shows whether appointments are currently open or full.

Click on any site to see more details: the types of returns they prepare, what documents they need you to bring, whether they offer in-person or virtual appointments, and how to book. Some sites display available time slots directly on the map; others require you to call or visit their page to see the calendar.

What documents and information to bring

Bring your photo ID and Social Security card (or a document with your Social Security number). Bring all W-2s from employers, all 1099s (interest, dividends, self-employment, unemployment, Social Security), and any other income documents. If you are claiming deductions, bring receipts or statements: mortgage interest statements, property tax bills, charitable donation records, medical expense records, or education expense documents.

If you received stimulus payments or child tax credits, bring any letters the IRS sent you about those. If you are claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, bring proof of dependent information: birth certificates or Social Security numbers for each child. The Tax-Aide site listing will tell you exactly what it needs; call ahead if you are unsure whether you have everything.

Booking an appointment online versus by phone

Many Tax-Aide sites now let you book directly through the AARP website. When you click on a site, you will see a calendar of available times. Click the time you want, enter your name and phone number, and your appointment is confirmed. You will receive a confirmation email or text.

Some sites, especially in smaller towns or rural areas, do not have online booking. For these, you will see a phone number on the site listing. Call during their posted hours to schedule. A few sites still accept walk-ins only, though this is less common. The site listing will tell you which method applies.

What happens if nearby sites are fully booked

Tax season is busiest in March and early April, and popular sites fill up weeks in advance. If every site near you shows no availability, check back in three to five days — cancellations happen regularly and open slots appear. You can also call a site directly to ask when they expect new appointments to open or whether they have a waitlist.

If you cannot find an appointment within a reasonable distance, expand your search radius on the AARP locator. Some people are willing to travel 20 or 30 minutes to reach a site with open slots. Alternatively, ask whether any nearby sites offer virtual appointments, which have become more common since 2020.

Types of returns Tax-Aide can and cannot prepare

Tax-Aide volunteers can prepare most straightforward returns: W-2 income, standard or itemized deductions, Social Security income, pensions, and common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. They can handle rental income on a single property in some cases, depending on the volunteer's training level.

Tax-Aide cannot prepare returns with business income from self-employment (Schedule C), capital gains or losses from stock sales, complex rental property situations, or certain investment income. If your return falls outside these bounds, the volunteer will tell you at the start of the appointment and refer you to a paid preparer or the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which handles more complex returns.

Income limits and who qualifies

AARP Tax-Aide is open to anyone, but the program prioritizes people over 50 and those with lower incomes. The income threshold changes yearly but is typically around $60,000 for single filers and higher for married couples filing jointly. You are not turned away if you exceed the threshold, but sites serving high-income filers may have longer waits.

There is no membership requirement. You do not need to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide. The program is funded by AARP and the IRS as a public service.

What to expect during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The volunteer will review what you have brought, ask questions about your income and deductions, and enter the information into tax software. They will show you the return before filing and answer questions about any line item. The whole process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

The volunteer will file your return electronically on the spot (if you consent) or give you a copy to file yourself. If you choose e-filing, the IRS typically processes the return within 21 days. You will receive a confirmation number at the appointment. The service is completely free — no fees, no upsells, no pressure to buy anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide?

No. AARP Tax-Aide is open to anyone, regardless of membership status. The program is a public service funded by AARP and the IRS.

Can I do a virtual appointment instead of going in person?

Some sites offer virtual appointments, especially since 2020. When you search for a location on the AARP website, the listing will say whether that site offers virtual or in-person appointments. Call the site directly if the listing is unclear.

What if the volunteer makes a mistake on my return?

Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and their work is reviewed, but mistakes can happen. You receive a copy of your return before it is filed, so review it carefully. If you spot an error after filing, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the IRS.

Can Tax-Aide prepare a return if I own a small business?

It depends on the complexity. Simple self-employment income on Schedule C may be within scope at some sites, but most Tax-Aide volunteers do not handle business returns. Ask when you call to book, or the volunteer will tell you at the start of your appointment if your situation is outside their scope.

How long does it take to get my refund after Tax-Aide files my return?

If you choose e-filing at your appointment, the IRS typically processes the return within 21 days. You will receive a confirmation number at the appointment. Refunds are usually deposited to your bank account within a few days of processing, though it can take longer during peak season.