Mission Statement

AARP Foundation TaxAide is the largest, all-volunteer run, free tax service in the United States.  More than 20,000 volunteers across the country serve several million taxpayers each year.  We are deeply grateful for the commitment and generosity of host sites which play a vital role in helping taxpayers and the program alike.  In partnership with the IRS since 1968, TaxAide focuses on assisting low-to-moderate income taxpayers aged 50 and older.  There are no age, income, or membership requirements to use the service, but all returns must be in scope.  Volunteers can help with many, but not all, tax returns (see What We Can & Cannot Do under General Information).  Tax assistance is available through appointments at all sites and limited walk-in at some sites.  Depending on the site, services may be in-person, drop-off, or virtual.  Description of the various delivery models for Wilco TaxAide is found under General Information > Types & Descriptions of Services Provided.

All TaxAide volunteers are IRS-trained and certified annually to assist taxpayers from early February to mid-April.  All volunteers participating in the program must sign a Form 13615, Volunteer Standards of Conduct Agreement.  These agreements require them to provide high quality service and uphold the highest ethical standards. In accordance with federal law and the Department of the Treasury – Internal Revenue Service policy, discrimination against taxpayers on the basis of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), disability, sex (in education programs or activities), age or reprisal is prohibited in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.  Taxpayers with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation and taxpayers with limited English proficiency may request language assistance to access service.

To report unethical behavior to IRS, e-mail ts.voltax@irs.gov. If a taxpayer believes he or she has been discriminated against, a written complaint should be sent to: Operations Director, Civil Rights Division, Internal Revenue Service, Room 2413, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20224. For all other inquiries concerning taxpayer civil rights, contact IRS at the mailing address or email civil.rights.division@irs.gov. Do not send tax returns or other tax-related information to the Civil Rights Division office or email address.

While the IRS is responsible for providing oversight requirements to Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, these sites are operated by IRS-sponsored partners who manage IRS-required site operations and volunteer ethical standards. In addition, the locations of these sites may not be in or on federal property.