Tax Filing Assistance 2018

PLEASE NOTE: AARP Tax-Aide has a new location for 2018:

AARP Tax-Aide Services 2018 @ First Congregational Church of Bellingham
2401 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham WA 98225
Map to First Congregational Church

Tax Filing Assistance 2018

Tax preparation volunteers help people with their federal income tax returns through a program of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program. While this service was provided at the Central Library in the past, increasing demand and limited space caused the library and local AARP Foundation representatives to seek a larger location. Thank you to the First Congregational Church of Bellingham for serving this important community need by offering a larger, more comfortable location that provides increased privacy and free parking for taxpayers and volunteers!

January 27 – April 17, 2018 at the First Congregational Church of Bellingham

Monday – Thursday: 3:30-6:30 p.m. (doors open at 2:45 p.m.)
Saturdays: 12:30-4 p.m.  (doors open at 11:45 a.m.)

*Spanish translation available Saturdays and Wednesdays
*Traducción al española disponible los sábados y miércoles

Appointments? Assistance is on a first-come, first-served basis; appointments are not needed or available.

Parking: Free parking available in the church parking lot off Logan Street, as well as free on-street parking nearby.

Building access: Enter door from parking lot at back of church, off Logan Street.

Handicap accessible entrance: At front of church, at Morris Street and Cornwall Avenue.

Map: First Congregational Church of Bellingham

Printable handout: Tax-Aide 2018

Tax assistance limitations:

  • AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are certified to prepare most tax returns.
  • There is no limit on age or income to seek assistance and/or have your return prepared.
  • Tax-Aide volunteers cannot prepare returns with rental income, farm income or small business returns with employees, depreciation or expenses over $25,000.
  •  Volunteers can advise of other less common restrictions.

Please bring the following:

  • Proof of Social Security Number. Please note the following:
    • Please bring a Social Security card (or copy) for each person on the return, or a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099);
    • Those who had their 2015 or 2016 tax returns prepared by an AARP site may bring a copy of that return as proof of Social Security number;
    • Previous returns not prepared by AARP, W-2 forms or other documents showing Social Security numbers cannot be used for proof.
  • Picture ID for the taxpayer, and spouse if applicable.
  • Completed Interview & Intake form (please fill out form on computer and then print):
  • Married and filing jointly? Bring your spouse if practical.
  • Last year’s tax return.
  • All proofs of income and expenses.
  • A sample check for a fast refund.