Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2024 February)
April 15 is right around the corner! If you need help preparing your tax return, there are free resources available to assist you.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
If you or your family earned less than $64,000 in 2023, you may qualify for this free service! The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a national program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that helps income-eligible families maximize their tax returns and avoid the fees businesses charge to prepare taxes. Since 2008, Fairfax County Department of Family Services has provided operational support to coalition partners processing tax returns, bringing back over $100 Million in refunds to the Northern Virginia Community. In-person VITA services are available at several sites in Northern Virginia. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointments are needed. For more information, please email DFSVITA@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-533-5320 (please leave a message).
NVACASH Tax Preparation Sites
Alexandria
Gerry Hyland Government Center
8350 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22309
Tuesday & Wednesday 6-8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Operates February 3 – April 13, 2024
Annandale
Fairfax Virginia Career Works - Fairfax Annandale Center
7611 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22033
Tuesday & Thursday 4-6:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Operates January 30 – April 13, 2024
Herndon
Neighborhood Resource Center
1086 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170
Thursday 6-8 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Operates January 27– April 13, 2024
Reston
Reston Employment Resource Center
11484 Washington Plaza W Suite 110, Reston, VA 20190
Tuesday 3:30-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Operates January 30–April 16, 2024
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide in Northern Virginia
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free, individualized tax preparation for low to moderate income taxpayers – especially those 50 and older. Visit NovaTaxAide.org for updated information on how each site will operate and how to make an appointment. All sites open the first week in February, unless otherwise noted.
Mason District Government Center
Open January 29–April 15; Closed February 19
Mondays & Thursdays: 1-8 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Walk-ins welcome; Appointments available. More information at NovaTaxAide.org/sites/mason.
Sherwood Regional Library
Closed February 19
Mondays-Wednesdays: 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
Thursdays-Saturdays: 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m.
Walk-ins only. More information at 571-892-9374 or Sherwood.Taxes@gmail.com.
Arlington Central Library
Open February 1–April 11
Tuesdays: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Thursdays: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Make an appointment at NovaTaxAide.org. More information at 703-829-6192 or acl.taxaide47@gmail.com.
Columbia Pike Branch Library
Tuesdays: Noon-7 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Appointments and walk-ins. More information at NovaTaxAide.org.
Centreville Regional Library
Tuesdays: 4-8 p.m.; Wednesdays: 1-5 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Appointments and walk-ins. More information at 703-239-3742 or CentrevilleTaxAide@gmail.com.
James Lee Community Center
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
More information at NovaTaxAide.org.
Jim Scott Community Center
Open January 30–April 13; Closed February 17, March 26, 28, and April 2
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Visit NovaTaxAide.org to make an appointment. Some walk-ins accepted. Email questions (not appointments) to ProvidenceTaxAide@gmail.com.
Herndon Fortnightly Library
Open February 3–April 15
Mondays: 4-8 p.m.; Saturdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Appointments recommended. See NovaTaxAide.org.
Reston Community Center
Open February 1–April 13
Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thursdays: 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Appointments and walk-ins. More info at NovaTaxAide.org.
Bull Run Regional Library
Mondays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Walk-ins only.
Chinn Park Regional Library
Open February 6–April 11; Closed March 5
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturdays: February 24, March 9, March 23 and April 6: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
By appointment only – see NovaTaxAide.org.
Skip the Trip and File from Home: IRS Free File Options
The IRS Free File Program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and many tax preparation and filing software industry leaders who provide their brand-name products for free. It provides two ways for taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax online:
- Traditional IRS Free File provides free online tax preparation and filing options on IRS partner websites. IRS partners are online tax preparation companies that develop and deliver this service at no cost to qualifying taxpayers.
- Free File Fillable Forms are electronic federal tax forms you can fill out and file online for free. If you choose this option, you should know how to prepare your own tax return. Please note, it is the only IRS Free File option available for taxpayers whose income (AGI) is greater than $73,000.
Visit IRS.gov for more information.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).