Tax Help
In 2025 we offer in-person Tax Help at twelve 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 21 through April 19 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 2024. 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 21 through April 19
- Mondays - 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays -Thursdays: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
- Saturdays - Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
South Park Branch: January 25 through April 19
- Saturdays - Sundays: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Free In-person Tax Help at Library Branches
We are collaborating with AARP to offer free tax preparation service from February 1 through April 14 at the following branches. There is no income limit for AARP tax help, although there are certain complicated returns that volunteers may not be able to complete for you. See more information here.
| Branch | Dates Available | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Ballard Branch | Feb. 11 - April 8 | Tuesdays: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| Broadview Branch | Feb. 3 - April 14 | Mondays: 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Drop-in) Wednesdays: 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| Columbia Branch | Feb. 7 - April 11 | Fridays: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| Douglass-Truth Branch | Feb. 8 - April 14 | Mondays and Saturdays: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| Greenwood Branch | Feb. 6 - April 10 | Thursdays: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| NewHolly Branch | Feb. 8 - April 12 | Saturdays: 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| Northeast Branch | Feb. 1 - April 12 | Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| Queen Anne Branch | Feb. 2 - April 13 | Sundays: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Drop-in) |
| Southwest Branch | Feb. 7 - April 11 | Fridays: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Appointment preferred) |
| West Seattle Branch | Feb. 6 - April 12 |
Thursdays: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
What to Bring to Free In-Person Tax Help
Each of the following 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 these documents will be accepted. Original documents highly recommended.
Washington Working Families Tax Credit
The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) is a tax refund that returns a portion of sales tax paid each year to Washington workers who meet certain eligibility requirements. If you qualify, Tax-Aide and VITA can help file the credit for you.
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.
PIM Savvy provides tax help throughout King and Snohomish counties.
- PIM Savvy Free Tax Prep (VITA) Program
- Apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) using PIM Savvy’s IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) services.
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 $84,000 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
- Virtual tax preparation services from PIM Savvy
Need an Extension?
- If you need to file after April 15, 2025, you can request an extension from the IRS website.