Tax Help
In 2024 we offer in-person Tax Help at eleven locations in partnership with United Way of King County and AARP. Both United Way and AARP also offer free virtual Tax Help.
Tax forms
Most IRS forms, instructions and publications are available online at www.irs.gov.
Due to federal budget cuts, the IRS is unable to provide the Library with certain tax forms and instruction booklets. To ask the IRS to mail you forms and instructions, order online at www.IRS.gov/orderforms or call 1-800-829-3676.
You may make free black-and-white prints of the forms from Library computers: www.spl.org/Print
Free In-person Tax Help at the Central Library and South Park Branch
We are collaborating with United Way of King County to offer free tax preparation service January 11 through April 18 at the Central Library and South Park Branch.
Trained volunteers will answer questions and help prepare personal tax returns. This service is free and available to individuals only. The service is not available for business tax returns.
United Way Tax Help locations serve anyone who earned less than $80,000 in 2023. For eligibility details, contact United Way at 206-461-3700.
Drop-in tax help is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Central Library: January 16 through April 18
- Mondays: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesdays – Thursdays: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturdays – Sundays: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Park Branch: January 11 through April 18
- Thursdays: 5 – 7: 30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free In-person Tax Help at Branch Libraries
We are collaborating with AARP to offer free tax preparation service from February 1 through April 15 at the following branches:
| Location | Dates Available | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard Branch | Feb. 6- April 9 | Tuesdays: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| Broadview Branch | Feb. 5 – April 15 | Mondays: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Drop-in) Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| Columbia Branch | Feb. 2 – April 12 | Fridays: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| Douglass-Truth Branch | Feb. 3 – April 13 |
Mondays: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| Greenwood Branch | Feb. 29 – April 11 | Thursdays: 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| NewHolly Branch | Feb. 4- April 14 | Sundays: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| Northeast Branch | Mar. 9 – April 13 |
Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Appointment preferred; drop-in accepted if space is available) |
| Queen Anne Branch | Feb. 3 – April 13 | Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| Southwest Branch | Feb. 3 – April 13 |
Wednesdays: 1 – 6 p.m. Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Appointment preferred; drop-in accepted if space is available) |
AARP will also provide Facilitated Self-Assistance where you can learn to do your own taxes for free. They will provide computers, a secure network, access to IRS-approved tax preparation software, and IRS-certified volunteers standing by ready to help. No need to fill out any paperwork ahead of time. Simply bring your tax documents and a copy of last year’s return. The IRS has set an income limit of $79,000 for this self-help option. This service is available at the following branches:
| Branch | Dates Available | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Douglass-Truth Branch | Feb. 3 - April 13 | Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| Greenwood Branch | Feb. 1 - February 22 | Thursdays: 12 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| NewHolly Branch | Feb. 4 - April 14 | Sundays: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
What to Bring to Free In-Person Tax Help
Each of the follow documents are required:
- Photo identification
- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for everyone listed on the tax return
- Proof of income, for example, W2s and 1099s (Social Security benefits)
- Official documents on Social Security Administration letterhead
- Medicare card (if Social Security number is followed by an "A")
- Be prepared to provide information about health care coverage for each person on the return
Recommended:
- Last year's tax return, if available
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of refunds
Photocopies or computer print-outs of any of these documents will be accepted. Original documents are highly recommended.
Other Free In-person Tax Help
United Way of King County and AARP are also offering in-person tax help at many non-library locations throughout King County.
For information on other tax help services in and outside of King County.
Free Online Tax Help
- You can get online help with your taxes from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Online Tax Assistance
- You can get free help with your taxes on USA.gov
- For those who made $73,000 or less, use Free File on the IRS website to file your taxes with no software or accountant fees
- MyFreeTaxes.com is a partnership between H&R Block and the United Way to help you complete and file simple tax returns
- Military personnel and their families can get help from the Armed Forces Tax Council or MilTax
Need an Extension?
- If you need to file after April 15, 2024, you can request an extension from the IRS website.