Free Tax Preparation

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide acquires United Way of Snohomish County Tax Prep Program

United Way of Snohomish County closed its Free Tax Preparation Program and we refer all clients to AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. The two organizations came to an agreement in 2020 about consolidating our tax preparation services under Tax-Aide. All existing clients, volunteers, calls, and requests for tax assistance will be referred to AARP. More information below.

 

What is AARP Tax-Aide?

AARP is known for its robust and effective tax preparation program that has been around for more than 50 years. The service uses trained and IRS-certified volunteers and helps more than 2.5 million taxpayers nationwide each year. AARP filed tax returns with assistance from volunteers by appointment only and included scanning taxpayer’s ID, social security cards and documents, saving them to a secure location, preparing the returns at tax counselors' homes, providing the taxpayer a paper copy of their return the following week, and then e-filing their return.

You don’t have to be an AARP member to take advantage of their Tax Aide service, and there’s no age requirement to get tax help from IRS-certified volunteers. Visit AARP Tax-Aide for more information.

 

Why are you no longer running your own Tax Prep Program?

United Ways across the country have run Free Tax Prep Programs for years and continue to do so.
 
United Way of Snohomish County started our Tax Prep Program in 2007 to help those in our county experiencing a high level of household food insecurity increase their income. One of its main goals was to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit, which many households either did not know about or did not claim.
 
Since then, the following changes have occurred with our Free Tax Prep program:
  • More free- to low-cost tax prep services are available now than a decade ago, including online options that many households use.
  • We had a steady decline in the number of volunteers interested in the program year after year.
  • The number of clients coming to our tax sites had also seen a steady decline every year.
  • Funding for the program itself, including additional services needed at sites (technology, translation, logistics, staff, etc.) was no longer dependable or available. 
  • The uncertain COVID-19 environment limited our budget and staff capacity.

 

What happens to the families and individuals who used to come to United Way’s tax sites?

AARP tax assistance is open to anyone of all ages and income levels. All individuals and families who have used United Way’s tax sites in the past will now be directed to AARP. 
 
 
How can I get my taxes prepared by AARP?
 
AARP in-person filing at tax sites is full for this tax season, but the AARP Tax-Aide Program offers free, online tax preparation assistance that you can still access through April 15. You don’t have to be an AARP member, and there’s no age requirement to get tax help.

Are there other United Way tax sites open nearby?

United Way of King County may have availability at some of their in-person sites. Please check their website for details.

Where else can I get my taxes done?

MyFreeTaxes.com
United Ways across the country offer a free online tax option at www.myfreetaxes.com. A quick, easy, and free online tool, it is available to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements that you can find in their helpful Frequently Asked Questions.

United Way of King County Tax Resources
United Way of King County has a page dedicated to answering any questions you may have about MyFreeTaxes.com that is available in 26 different languages.

IRS Resources
The IRS also has a place to search for any additional sites in neighboring counties.
 

I need a copy of a previous year's return. Where can I get one?

Visit AARP Tax-Aide for more information.