Last verified 2026-05-17. The 2026 tax season ended April 15, 2026. Tax-Aide sites are closed until they reopen around February 1, 2027. If you missed the deadline, see "If you missed April 15" below.
Free help filing your taxes
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is a free tax prep service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year. You do not need to be an AARP member. There is no cost. [Source: taxaide.aarpfoundation.org (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Who it's for
Anyone can use it, but they focus on people who are:
- Age 50 or older, and/or
- Earning low to moderate income
There is no strict income limit. They cannot help with very complex returns (small business with employees, rental income, or alternative minimum tax). [Source: taxaide.aarpfoundation.org (accessed 2026-05-17)]
When it runs
Tax-Aide runs each year from about February 1 to April 15. The 2026 season ended April 15, 2026. The 2027 season is expected to open around February 1, 2027. [Source: taxaide.aarpfoundation.org (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Local sites — Nevada County, CA
Grass Valley Tax-Aide serves Nevada County residents. During tax season they offer:
- Mondays by appointment (Feb through mid-April)
- Limited Saturday appointments at the Nevada County Contractors Association office, 149 Crown Point Ct, Grass Valley
To book (when the season opens in 2027):
- Phone: 530-205-3555 (leave a voicemail with your name, callback number, and preferred date/time)
- Email: GrassValleyTaxAide@gmail.com
- Online: tinyurl.com/GVTaxAide
[Source: cde.211connectingpoint.org/resource/4663467 (accessed 2026-05-17)]
What to bring to your appointment
- Photo ID for you (and your spouse if filing jointly)
- Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
- Last year's tax return if you have it
- All W-2s, 1099s, SSA-1099 (Social Security), and any other income forms
- 1095-A if you had Covered California / Marketplace health insurance
- Bank routing and account number for direct deposit of your refund
- Records of any deductible expenses (property tax, mortgage interest, charitable gifts, medical bills)
How the service works
You have several options depending on the site:
- In-person, one visit — a volunteer prepares your return while you wait
- Drop-off — you leave your documents, they prepare it, you come back to sign and file
- One-visit or two-visit scan — they scan your documents, prepare the return remotely, then finish with you
- No site visit (internet required) — you upload your documents, work with a volunteer online
- Online coaching or facilitated self-help — you prepare your own return with volunteer support
- Self-preparation — using free Tax-Aide software
[Source: taxaide.aarpfoundation.org (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Find a site anywhere in California
The AARP site locator opens each year in late January. Search by ZIP code at: aarpfoundation.org/taxaide → "Find a site near you."
If you missed April 15, 2026
Tax-Aide is closed until 2027, but you still have options:
- You're owed a refund? You have three years to file and claim it (until April 15, 2029, for tax year 2025). No penalty for filing late if a refund is owed. [Source: irs.gov (general IRS rule)]
- You owe taxes? File as soon as possible — penalties and interest grow each month. Use IRS Free File at irs.gov/freefile if your income is under the threshold, or CalFile at ftb.ca.gov for California state returns.
- You filed an extension (Form 4868)? Your return is due October 15, 2026. Tax-Aide does not normally help during the off-season — try a paid preparer or IRS Free File.
- Stuck or confused? Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or your local 211 (dial 211) to find off-season help.
Phone numbers
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide national office: 1-888-687-2277 (1-888-OUR-AARP)
- Tax-Aide tech support: 1-855-481-0020
- Grass Valley Tax-Aide: 530-205-3555
- IRS individual help: 1-800-829-1040
Sources
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide official site: taxaide.aarpfoundation.org
- 211 Connecting Point Nevada County listing: cde.211connectingpoint.org/resource/4663467