AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is providing free preparation now through April 15 throughout Idaho. Started in 1968, Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program and has served over 80 million people. During the 2024 tax season, nearly 300 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers completed over 14,000 returns in Idaho with state and federal refunds totaling more than $16 million.
Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS, and AARP membership is not required. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers a variety of options to better meet the needs of taxpayers. Access to the different types of assistance varies by location.
- In-Person Service: Tax preparation is completed by an IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteer on-site in one visit.
- One-Visit Scan: Tax documents are scanned at the Tax-Aide site and then Tax-Aide volunteers prepare the return remotely.
- Two-Visit Scan: Tax documents are scanned at the Tax-Aide site and then volunteers prepare the return remotely. During a second visit, taxpayers work with a volunteer to finalize their return and obtain a printed copy for their records.
- Drop-Off Service: Tax documents are left at the Tax-Aide site with a volunteer and the return is prepared remotely. During a second visit, taxpayers work with a volunteer to file their return and obtain a printed copy and their original documents.
- No Site Visit Required (Internet Access Required): Taxpayers upload tax documents to the IRS-provided software. Tax-Aide volunteers prepare the return remotely and work with the taxpayer to file the return electronically.
- Online Coaching: Taxpayers prepare their own return and receive online support from a volunteer to help them along the way.
- Facilitated Self-Assistance: Taxpayers schedule an appointment at a Tax-Aide site to work with a volunteer to complete and file their own return.
- Self-Preparation: Taxpayers prepare their own return using a software product that has been made available through the Tax-Aide website.
Users can find their nearest Tax-Aide location and assistance options through the Tax-Aide site locator. The site locator features a Tax-Aide chat bot that can help book an appointment, answer questions about the program, and transfer the conversation to a live agent if needed or requested. For more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarp.org/id or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
