Tax season is underway — and so too is free tax prep help by two nonprofits that are collaborating with the county. Eligible residents and their families can get free assistance filing their federal and state income taxes at locations around the county through the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide Program
The AARP Foundation offers tax preparation help at several county facilities, including governmental centers, libraries, and community centers. The service is free, and there are no hidden fees.
The Tax-Aide program runs through April 15; IRS-certified volunteers can help residents with their federal and Virginia state tax returns. Some locations can also assist you with District of Columbia and Maryland taxes.
Locations and Hours
The dates and hours for tax assistance vary by location. Appointments are required at some sites while walk-ins are accepted at others.
Carefully check the dates, hours and requirements for each location before you go.
The Mason District Governmental Center is the largest of the locations, and it is primarily open for walk-in assistance.
Kinds of Tax Help Available
Tax aides can help you with most — but not all — tax returns, including returns with:
- Wages, interest, dividends, capital gains or losses, pensions and Social Security benefits
- Self-employment income with limits
- Qualified business income deduction with limits
- 1099 income
- IRA contributions
- Health savings accounts
However, volunteers can’t help with complicated tax returns that involve a small business with employees, rental income, or alternative minimum tax.
Before you visit an assistance location, check what kinds of tax returns the program can and can’t prepare.
What You Need To Bring
To get assistance, you will need to bring identification and tax documents with you. Check the complete list before you go.
At a minimum, you need to bring the following kinds of documents, according to the Tax-Aide program:
- Government-issued photo ID for you (and your spouse, if married filing jointly)
- Social Security card for you (and your spouse, if married filing jointly)
- Social Security cards or ITIN numbers for each of the dependents named on your return. (For ITIN numbers, please bring the issuing letter.)
- A completed information packet for the site you’re visiting
VITA Program: Maximizing Tax Returns for Low-Income Families
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, sponsored by the IRS, is another free resource for county residents that helps them file returns and avoid fees.
If you or your family earned less than $67,000 in 2024, you may qualify for this free tax help service.
Northern Virginia CASH is a coalition of community partners who support the VITA sites in Northern Virginia. Fairfax County Department of Family Services has provided operational support to the coalition partners since 2008.
Locations and Hours
In-person VITA services are available at several sites, at various dates and times through April in Alexandria, Falls Church, Herndon, Reston, and Annandale. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointments are needed.
For more information, send an email to DFSVITA@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-533-5320.
Preparing for Your VITA Appointment
What to bring:
- Photo ID for you (and your spouse if filing jointly)
- All income statements (W-2, W-2G, 1099, etc.)
- Income statements for each working dependent (W-2, etc.)
- Social Security card or ITIN letter for all family members
- Voided check for direct deposit
- Expense documents (dependent care, education-related expenses, home mortgage interest payments)
- Forms 1095-A from the Marketplace for those claiming the Premium Tax Credit
About Earned Income Tax Credits
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit aimed at supporting working individuals and families with low to moderate income, particularly those with children. The IRS has updated its refundable tax credit webpage, providing detailed information on eligibility and benefits.
Do Your Taxes Yourself and File for Free
If you want to do your taxes yourself, the federal and state governments offer free online tax preparation and filing for people within certain income limits.
Learn more:
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