Free tax help available at Mason Government Center

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is offering free assistance at the Mason Government Center Jan. 30-April 15.

IRS-certified volunteers will help taxpayers prepare their federal and state tax forms and file them electronically. The emphasis is on getting taxpayers all the credits and deductions for which they qualify and maintaining privacy and confidentiality.

Some Tax-Aide sites, including Mason, have counselors qualified to prepare Maryland and D.C. returns.

To get help from Tax-Aide, there is no age limit and you don’t have to be an AARP member. There is no income limit, but there is a focus on taxpayers with low to moderate incomes.

You’ll need to bring a photo ID; Social Security cards (or ITIN documents) for yourself, spouse, and dependents; all tax documents regarding income and (if you itemize deductions) deductible expenses; and a copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns.

Tax-Aide volunteers will be at the Mason Government Center 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. 

Walk-in service is available, although you can book an appointment for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call 571-281-8532 to schedule an appointment.