Filing taxes often feels like an overly complex and stressful process, but you don’t have to go through it alone! There are several options available to get free in-person and virtual help and/or obtain all the necessary forms and instructions.

In-Person Assistance

If you meet the following criteria, you likely qualify for free in-person tax assistance under the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs:

• Make $64,000 or less;
• Have a disability; and/or
• Are more comfortable communicating in a language other than English.
• Are 60 years of age or older, and have questions related to pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

Gather your required documents and check out one of these nearby VITA/TCE locations locations (note: many require an appointment). You can also search the VITA/TCE database or AARP Tax-Aide locator to find more options.

UW Tacoma – Milgard Accounting HUB

• When: Fridays and Saturdays 12:30PM – 4:30PM, February 2nd – April 15th
• Where: Milgard Hall Ste 101, UW Tacoma, 1950 S. C Street
• Format: Appointment not required
• Languages: English
• Contact: accthub@uw.edu

HIRE at Mi Centro

• When: Saturdays 10:00am – 2:00pm, February 17th – April 6th
• Where: 1208 South 10th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
• Format: Appointment not required
• Languages: English, Spanish
• Contact: (253) 572-7717

Tacoma Public Library Moore Branch

• When: Fridays 10:30am – 2:30pm, February 9th – April 12th
• Where: 215 S 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98408
• Format: Appointment required
• Languages: English
• Contact: Call 211

The Vietnamese Christian Education Center

• When: Sundays 1:00pm – 3:00pm and Saturdays 3:00PM – 5:00pm, February 1 – April 24th
• Where: 3832 South G Street, Tacoma, WA 98418
• Format: Appointment required
• Languages: English, Vietnamese
• Contact: (503) 975-8434

Tacoma Community House

• When: March 9th 10:00AM – 4:00PM March 26th 12:00pm – 8:00 PM
• Where: 1314 S L Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
• Format: Appointment required
• Languages: English
• Contact: (253) 383-3951

Virtual Assistance

If you are unable to get help in-person or prefer to work from home, check out one of the following resources:

• FreeTaxUSA: Free IRS-certified filing service for those with an annual income of less than $45,000; OR for those Active Duty Military with an annual income of less than $79,000; OR for a $9.95 fee if income requirements are not met
• FileYourTaxes: Free IRS-certified filing service for those 64 years old or younger, with an income between $8,500 and $79,000; OR for those Active Duty Military with an annual income of less than $79,000
• OnLineTaxes: Free IRS-certified filing service for those with an annual income of less than $45,000; OR for those Active Duty Military with an annual income of less than $79,000; OR for a $9.95 fee if income requirements are not met
• GetYourRefund: Free virtual assistance from IRS-certified tax preparer for those with an annual income of less than $66,000
• File Myself: Free do-it-yourself option for those with an annual income of less than $73,000 

Tax Forms

Tacoma Public Library

• Form 1040s and instruction booklets (including 1040-SR) available at all branches while supplies last
• All other forms are print-on-demand
• Library cardholders get $5 worth of free printing per week

Pierce County Library

• Form 1040s and instruction booklets (including 1040-SR) available at all branches while supplies last
• All other forms are print-on-demand
• Library cardholders get $5 worth of free printing per week
• You can call your preferred branch to request a print pickup appointment for a specific tax form

Order forms by mail

• Order via the IRS website
• Materials arrive within 15 days
• Limits: 20 each for forms (one copy of the corresponding instructions is automatically included); five copies each for instructions and publications ordered