Free tax help available
If you’re starting to get anxious about filing your taxes, calm down. Free assistance is available to lower-income taxpayers through the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
The deadline for filing federal taxes this year is Monday, April 18, because Emancipation Day, April 16, is a holiday in the District of Columbia and will be observed on Friday, April 15.
AARP volunteers are providing free walk-in tax assistance at the Mason Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike) through April 18. There is no age limit, but AARP volunteers are most familiar with the tax issues faced by older citizens.
Drop-in hours for the AARP Tax Aide program are 1-8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. AARP volunteers won’t be there on Presidents’ Day weekend, Feb. 13-15.
Invalids can request an in-home visit by an AARP volunteer by calling 703-594-6576.
VITA is a national program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and is implemented in Northern Virginia by local governments and community agencies in the Northern Virginia Coalition for Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (NVACASH).
VITA programs will operate at several locations, including:
- The SkillSource Center, 7611 Little River Turnpike, Annandale – Tuesdays and Thursdays 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., through April 16.
- Bailey’s Community Center, 5920 Summers Lane, Bailey’s Crossroads – Wednesdays 6-9 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 15.
- Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church – Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. through April 16.
Volunteers with both the Tax-Aide and VITA programs file tax returns electronically. Be sure to bring relevant documents, including photo ID, Social Security card, W-2 statements, a voided check for direct deposit, expense documents (dependent care, education-related expenses, home mortgage interest payments, etc.), and proof of health insurance coverage.
