AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: free tax prep, no membership needed

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide gives free tax help to people who qualify, with a special focus on taxpayers over 50 with low to moderate income. You do not need to be an AARP member. It is the largest free tax preparation service in the US.

Find a Tax-Aide site (AARP locator)

Free if you qualify. Program details checked on aarp.org in October 2026.

Who qualifies

• Anyone can ask for help; the focus is on people over 50 with low to moderate income.
• No AARP membership is needed and there is no fee.
• Your return is within what volunteers prepare (similar to VITA and TCE).
• You can have a volunteer prepare your return, or get coaching while you do it yourself.

Who it is not for

• A business with a loss on Schedule C, depreciation, or a home office deduction.
• Most rental property returns.
• Help outside the season: appointments run from early February to mid-April.

How to get started

1. Use the AARP Tax-Aide site locator or call 888-227-7669 (January to April).
2. Book an appointment. Sites are in libraries, community centers, banks and malls in all 50 states.
3. Bring the documents on the checklist below.
4. A volunteer prepares or coaches, and the return is reviewed before it is filed.

Also see TCE sites

What to bring

• Photo ID for you and your spouse
• Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
• Birth dates for everyone on the return
• W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-MISC and other income forms
• Social Security benefit statement (SSA-1099)
• Interest and dividend statements (1099-INT, 1099-DIV)
• Last year's federal and state returns
• Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
• Child care provider name, address and tax ID
• Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
• If married filing jointly: both spouses should come to sign

From the IRS checklist for free tax return preparation. Ask your site if it needs anything else.

If this program does not fit

Other free programs may still work for you: