Take advantage of free tax assistance around the Tri-Cities

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.

“Every year, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program helps tens of thousands of Washingtonians with free tax preparation,” Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington state director, said in a release. “Whether you are a working or retired individual, our IRS tax-certified volunteers can help answer your questions and prepare your tax returns.”

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.

For the 2023 tax season, 26,000 volunteers helped more than 1.5 million taxpayers receive over $1.1 billion in refunds.

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. Saturday, Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive. Appointments required. Call 509-542-7960.

Kennewick

Noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Mid-Columbia Libraries, Kennewick branch, 1620 S. Union St. Appointments required. Call 509-542-7960.
Noon to 4 p.m. Tuesdays; noon to 4 p.m. 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.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Pasco City Hall, 525 N. Third Ave. Appointments required. Call 509-542-7960.