Arlington Public Library Partners with AARP and VITA to Offer Free Tax Preparation Services

Arlington residents seeking assistance with tax preparation can now access free services offered through the Arlington Public Library. As tax season unfolds, the community resource is teaming up with the AARP and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to provide much-needed aid to those navigating the complexities of tax filing.

AARP's Tax-Aide initiative kicks off on February 3 and runs until April 11 at the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library and the Southwest Branch Library. Interested individuals are required to visit either the Downtown or Southwest location to set up an in-person appointment, an approach that ensures a place in the appointment book, whose availability starts January 26, as reported by the Arlington Public Library's official announcement. Phone scheduling options are not available.

The Downtown Library, located at 100 S. Center St., offers sessions on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at various times, while services at the Southwest Branch Library, found at 3311 SW Green Oaks Blvd., are available at specific intervals from Tuesday to Saturday, except for March 3 when appointments won't be offered. The AARP has a long history, reaching back to 1968, of providing free tax help to over 68 million low- and moderate-income taxpayers.

VITA, sponsored by the United Way of Tarrant County, caters to individuals and families earning $67,000 or less annually. IRS-certified volunteers are set to deliver these services at the East Library and Recreation Center, offering their expertise on three Thursdays across February, March, and April. Scheduling for VITA can be handled entirely online, walking in is not an option, ensuring a seamless appointment-making process.

When attending any tax-aide appointment, patrons should bring several key documents, including a photo ID, their Social Security card or ITIN, last year's tax return, and forms detailing income such as W-2s and 1099s. Detailed information about what to bring and how to obtain these documents is housed within the Arlington Public Library's guidelines. Additionally, the library's public computers are accessible for anyone preferring to file their taxes online, offering an array of e-filing sites with both free and paid services. It's worth noting that the Arlington Public Library does not offer legal or accounting advice.