The AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program at sites around the Tri-Cities.

There’s no fee, and AARP membership is not required. Almost anyone can receive help with their taxes. Those with particularly complex issues and complicated returns are encouraged to seek professional services.

Tax-Aide offers several tax preparation options, as well as the traditional in-person service.

Tax-Aide provides taxpayers with free access to software so they can prepare their own taxes. Taxpayers also can request help from a Tax-Aide IRS-certified counselor to coach them through the process through computer screen-sharing.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in cooperation with the IRS. The program was conceived in 1968 by four volunteers who prepared 100 income tax returns at one site.  

Today, trained volunteers serve low- to moderate-income taxpayers at thousands of locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. It’s the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers receive extensive training and are IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.

Here’s a list of the Tax-Aide sites in the Tri-Cities area:

Richland

• 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive. Appointments required. Call 509-542-7960.

Kennewick

• Noon to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Mid-Columbia Libraries, Kennewick branch, 1620 S. Union St. Appointments required. Call 509-542-7960.
• Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays, Mid-Columbia Libraries, Keewaydin Park branch, 405 S. Dayton St. Appointments required. Call 509-542-7960.

Pasco

• Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Mid-Columbia Libraries, Pasco branch, 1320 W. Hopkins St. No appointment required.
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, Pasco City Hall, 525 N. Third Ave. No tax preparation on Friday, Feb. 28 or Friday, March 28. Appointments required. Call 509-542-7960.

Burbank

• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Burbank Library, 875 Lake Road, Burbank. No appointment required.

Many of the sites offer assistance in Spanish.

Taxpayers will need to bring important documents to their appointments.

Posted site hours may change so be sure to confirm the times the day before you plan to go to the site.

Go to aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

Taxes are due April 15.