Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2023 February)
Tax season is here – a time that can provoke anxiety and frustration for many. If you need help preparing your tax return, there are free resources available to assist you. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps income-eligible people with their tax returns. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program assists low to moderate income taxpayers, specifically those 50 and older, with their tax returns. There are also online resources you can visit to find answers to your tax questions.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free Income Tax Preparation
If you or your family earned less than $60,000 in 2022, 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) to help families maximize their tax returns and avoid the fees businesses charge to prepare taxes. Northern Virginia CASH is a coalition of community partners who support the VITA sites in Northern Virginia. For 15 years the Fairfax County Department of Family Services has provided operational support to the coalition partners assisting about 4,000 families to receive a combined average refund total of $6 million each year.
In-person VITA services are available at four sites throughout Northern Virginia. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointments are needed. For more information 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 and Wednesday, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Operates beginning 1/28/23 through 4/15/23
Annandale
Virginia Career Works - Fairfax Annandale Center
7611 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22033
Tuesday and Thursday, 4-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Operates beginning 1/31/23 through 4/15/23
Herndon
Neighborhood Resource Center
1086 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170
Thursday, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Operates beginning 1/28/23 through 4/15/23
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 beginning 1/28/23 through 4/15/23
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 Fairfax County locations open the first week in February, unless otherwise noted.
Mason District Government Center
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
Mondays and Thursdays: 1-8 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Call 703-658-0216 for more information during open hours. Call 703-249-9961 to make an appointment. Walk-ins welcome. Appointments available in the mornings.
Open 1/27/23 through 4/18/23 (Closed February 20)
Sherwood Regional Library
2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306
Mondays and Tuesdays: 1:15-4 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays through Saturdays: 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information, call 571-882-9374 or email sherwood.taxes@gmail.com. Walk-ins. Same day appointments made at site.
Centreville Regional Library
14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville, VA 20121
Tuesdays: 4-8 p.m.
Wednesdays: 1-5 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information, call 703-239-3742 or email CentrevilleTaxAide@gmail.com. Appointments and walk-ins.
James Lee Community Center
2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit novataxaide.org.
Providence Community Center
2001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
For more information, email providencetaxaide@gmail.com. Visit novataxaide.org to make an appointment.
Herndon Fortnightly Library
768 Center Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Mondays: 4-8 p.m.
Wednesdays: Noon-4 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visit novataxaide.org to make an appointment. Appointments recommended.
Reston Community Center
2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston, VA 20191
Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursdays: 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visit novataxaide.org for more information. Appointments and walk-ins.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Online Tax Assistance
Visit taxaideqa.aarp.org/hc/en-us to get answers to your tax questions online. Browse topics and FAQs or submit a request for information.
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 adjusted gross income is greater than $73,000.
Visit irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free 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).