Step 1 - Find out if there is a site that works for you:
Review the Site Information tab to find a location, day and time frame that works for you. If you are unable to go to one of our sites, you may use the Scheduling an Appointment tab to access the AARP Tax-Aide Appointment Tool to locate a site nearer to you. Hours of operation and contact information will be provided. Note, not all sites allow you to schedule your own appointment, but will have a contact number for you to call.
Also, our sister program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), may be closer to you or open more convenient hours. To determine if you qualify to have your taxes done by the program, click her: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). You may locate a VITA site near you by going to: Get Free Tax Prep Help
There are a sites in New Bern and Pamlico - you can get information on them at www.newbernvita.com.
Step 2 - Find out if we can prepare your return based on your tax situation:
Review the Scope tab to ensure that we can prepare your return. All AARP Tax-Aide sites operate under the same Scope guidelines.
If your specific tax situation can't be done by AARP Tax-Aide, then you'll need to seek assistance from a paid preparer or use the free Prepare You Own Return tools provide by either the IRS or by AARP Tax-Aide. Look on the FAQ's tab for more information on preparing your own return.
Please note: Our sister program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is limited by similar scope guidelines as AARP Tax-Aide.
Step 3 - Gather your documents:
Review the What to bring tab and ensure you have all the documents we will need based on your tax situation. Please remove all documents from their envelopes and put them in order as requested. Please ensure only Tax related items are included. Common items not needed to be included are: RMD notifications, SSA increase notifications, itemization documents if your not itemizing, etc.
Also, where indicated, provide the additional information which is not included on a form (such as ex-spouses information, pension start dates, dates you purchased a home you sold, etc.) applicable to your tax situation. These are highlighted in red on the page. You may write this information on the intake form under the comments section or on a separate piece of paper, clearly indicating what the information is for.
Step 4 - Make an appointment:
Once you have all your documents together, review the Scheduling an Appointment tab to determine the best method for you to make an appointment and make it.
If a specific date is full, you may add your name to a wait list. If the staff at the site feels they have time to assist you, they will contact you to come in.
Please note: If you are unable to attend your appointment, please cancel it using the same method as you used to make it.
Step 5 - Obtain and complete all preliminary paperwork:
AARP Tax-Aide requires that you complete an intake booklet, which collects the majority of the information we need to enter your return into the software and authorizations for preparing, storing and e-filing your return, prior to return preparation.
Intake booklets are available at each Host site (where taxes are prepared) and a few alternate sites during their business hours (see Site Information tab), beginning the first week of January. You should plan to pick up and complete the forms in advance of your appointment.
If you have not completed the intake booklet before your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment!
Step 4 - Attend your appointment:
Please note: If you are unable to attend your appointment, please cancel it using the same method as you used to make it.
Step 1 - Your documents will be reviewed:
You will meet with a Client Facilitator or Counselor who will review your intake booklet and your documents to ensure that you have everything and there are no outstanding questions. You must provide a picture ID for yourself and spouse (if married) and the Social Security Cards for everyone listed on the return.
The Client Facilitator can not answer tax law questions and may not be able to assist with other questions. They may need to ask a Counselor to assist you with any questions or to gather additional information for a specific form.
Step 2 - Your return will be prepared:
If you are using the drop off method, you will be asked to sign the drop off authorization forms and be provided with your pickup date and time (usually 2 weeks from drop off). In addition, you will be given a form which details the drop-off guidelines and provides contact information should you have questions. You can then leave.
Please note: if you have a complex return, you may be asked to stay for in-person preparation to ensure we get all the information we need.
If the Counselor has any questions or concerns regarding your return, they will contact you via the phone number(s) you provided. In rare instances, we may discover that your return does not fall within our scope. When that happens you will be asked to pick up your return and see a paid preparer.
If you are using the in person method, you will be asked to wait until a Counselor is available to assist you. Once one is available, you will sit down with them and we'll prepare your return.
Step 3 - Your return will be Quality reviewed:
Regardless of method, your return will be reviewed by a second Counselor (Quality Reviewer) to ensure everything was entered correctly. If you are in person, you will set with the Quality Reviewer, who may ask you more questions. Drop off taxpayers will be called, should the Quality Reviewer have questions.
Step 5 - Pick up your return (if you used the drop off method):
If you are doing the in-person method, the Quality reviewer will go over your return with you, print it, have you sign it and then return everything to you.
If you are doing the drop off method, you will have been given an appointment to pick it up. You may be contacted early if your return is completed ahead of time. During this second appointment, a counselor (not necessarily the one who prepared or quality reviewed your return) will review your return with you. If there are any adjustments needed based on new information, they will be made at that time. Your return will then be printed and you will be asked to sign it. Everything will then be returned to you.
Step 5 - What happens next:
Your return will be e-filed within 3 days of your signing it.
Generally, we hear back within 24 hours if a return has been accepted or rejected.
If it rejects, we will investigate and try to determine why. See the Mistakes Happen tab for details.
Once a return is filed and approved, AARP Tax-Aide has no way to track it. Check the FAQ's tab for more information on tracking your refund or return.
You may also ask the counselor who assisted you for a copy of the "What happens Next" document.
After season appointments for assistance will be available - Click Here for more information.